Centralized Locking for Modular Refrigerated Storage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration storage systems with multiple storage devices become cumbersome to manage due to the need for separate locking mechanisms for each access member, making it difficult to provide easy access while maintaining security.
Innovation Solution
A modular refrigeration system with a central electronic locking system, where a 'master locking device' operates 'slave locking devices' across multiple storage devices via electrical connections, allowing for unified locking and unlocking of all access members with a single key or electronic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate mechanical locks are used for each storage device, then security against unauthorized access is maintained, but the complexity of managing multiple storage devices increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate locking mechanisms are merged into a single centralized locking system. The patent describes a master control unit that can lock or unlock multiple storage devices simultaneously through a single operation, eliminating the need to manually operate individual locks on each storage device while maintaining security across all units.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is designed with universal functionality where a single master lock controls multiple storage devices. The system allows one key or control interface to perform the locking and unlocking function across all storage devices, making the system multi-functional rather than requiring separate keys for each device.
2Reliability
If multiple separate locking mechanisms are used, then each storage device can be secured independently, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple locking functions into a single centralized control system. Instead of having separate mechanical locks distributed across multiple storage devices, the system combines all locking operations through one master control unit that communicates with individual storage devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking systems with an electronic or automated control system. The master lock uses electronic signals or automated mechanisms to control the locking state of multiple storage devices, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical key-operated locks and reducing mechanical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a centralized locking system is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized locking system operates autonomously once configured. The master control unit automatically manages the locking and unlocking of multiple storage devices without requiring manual intervention for each individual device. The system self-manages the coordination between the master lock and individual storage device locks, reducing operational complexity despite the centralized architecture.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
A system (10) for storing of goods requiring refrigeration comprises at least a first storage device (1), the first storage device comprising at least a first access member (13) which is lockable and unlockable and at least a second storage device (2), the second storage device comprising at least a second access member (23 - 25) which is lockable and unlockable. The first storage device (1) comprises a first locking device (16, 80) operable for locking and unlocking the first access member (13), and the second storage device (2) comprises a second locking device (26, 28, 29, 80) operable for locking and unlocking the second access member (23 -25). The first locking device (16, 80) is operable by key means, and the second locking device (26, 28, 29, 80) is operable by operation of the first locking device (16, 80).