Automated Parcel Locker Door Closure for Secure Weatherproof Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated collection points (ACPs) face challenges in maximizing locker availability, ensuring security and weatherproofing, while preventing entrapment of children or animals and minimizing user intervention for door closure, while maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The ACP system incorporates interchangeable columnar modules with a central console for electronic control, a package deposit mechanism, and an elongate closure element that automatically moves the locker door from fully open to partially open and then slowly to a fully closed position, using a retractable handle and a cylindrical closure element for enhanced security and sealing, allowing for efficient operation and user-friendly access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door is spring biased to the partially open position and requires user force to close, then the door automatically pops open when unlocked providing visual indication, but the user must exert force to push the door shut and the seal effectiveness depends on user-applied force
Solution Approach 1:
The door closing mechanism uses a spring biasing system that automatically returns the door to the partially open position after unlocking, eliminating the need for complex motorized or manual override systems. The spring force self-regulates to provide both the opening indication and the sealing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The door mechanism transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic spring-biased system that automatically moves between locked and partially open states. The spring force dynamically adjusts to maintain the door in the optimal partially open position for both visibility and sealing.
2Reliability
If the locker door is left unlocked for 30 seconds after opening, then small children or animals cannot be trapped, but the locker is temporarily removed from service and vulnerable to vandalism and weather ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The door is pre-configured with a spring biasing system that automatically returns it to the partially open position after unlocking, eliminating the need for a 30-second unlocked waiting period. This preliminary mechanical arrangement ensures safety while maintaining immediate locker availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic timer-based unlocked state with a mechanical spring-biased system that automatically manages door position. This mechanical substitution eliminates the vulnerability period while maintaining safety, as the door physically cannot remain fully open without user intervention.
3Reliability
If multiple deadbolts are used to lock the door at spaced positions, then security and rigidity are improved, but the locking mechanism complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The door's own weight and spring biasing system serve as the primary locking force, eliminating the need for multiple active deadbolts. The door naturally maintains its partially open position through spring force, providing inherent security without complex multi-point locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex multi-deadbolt system and replaces it with a simpler single-point or reduced-point locking mechanism. The security function is maintained through the inherent stability of the spring-biased partially open position rather than through multiple mechanical locks.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the door is made weathertight with a resilient seal, then weather protection is improved, but the seal effectiveness depends on compression force which is limited by user capability
Solution Approach 1:
The spring biasing system dynamically applies continuous compression force to the resilient seal, maintaining optimal sealing pressure without requiring additional user force. The spring force automatically adjusts to maintain the door in the partially open position while ensuring consistent seal compression for weatherproofing.
Data Source
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Figure 4A~4B
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A modular automated collection point (ACP) comprises an array of electronically controlled lockers for receiving items for sale or for delivery to customers, a controller and user interface, a parcel weighing and dimensional measuring unit, and a package deposit unit with a one-way door for depositing items for subsequent delivery to other customers or ACPs. Each door preferably moves rapidly from the fully-open position to a partially-open position, and then slowly from the partially-open position towards a fully- closed position. Each locker may comprise a retractable handle and an elongate, rotating closure element which moves the locker door between the fully-closed (locked) position and a nearly-closed (unlocked) position. Preferably the closure element has a cylindrical outer wall which conforms slidingly to the fascia of the lockerbank so as to present a seamless appearance and prevent prising.