Networked Refrigerator Lock With Temperature Audit Trail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack secure and efficient methods for monitoring and controlling the temperature and humidity of refrigerated pharmaceuticals, particularly in hospital settings, and for ensuring access is restricted to authorized personnel, with no means to track access or alert for temperature deviations during storage or transport.
Innovation Solution
A remotely actuated refrigerator door lock system that connects to a computer network, monitors temperature and humidity, keeps an audit trail of access, and alerts for deviations, using a motor drive mechanism, magnetic sensors, and software to control multiple locks, with optional key override and battery power for mobile use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a key lock system is used for the refrigerator, then access can be restricted to certain personnel, but there is no automatic audit trail of access and no remote monitoring capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical key lock system with an electronic motor-driven lock mechanism that interfaces with a computer network. This substitution enables automatic audit trail generation through software logging of access events, remote monitoring capabilities, and elimination of manual record-keeping requirements while maintaining access restriction functionality.
2Reliability
If the refrigerator is kept locked with a key lock, then security is improved, but there is no means to alarm if the refrigerator is left open or unlocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates door status sensors that continuously monitor whether the refrigerator door is open or closed and feed this information back to the control system. The system compares actual door status with expected status (locked when refrigerator is secured) and triggers alarms or notifications when discrepancies are detected, enabling real-time security monitoring and alerting personnel to unauthorized or accidental door openings.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional paper records are used for access tracking, then implementation is simple, but efficiency is low and remote access control is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual paper-based access recording with an automated electronic system that uses motor-driven locks, computer network connectivity, and software-based audit trails. This substitution dramatically improves tracking efficiency by automatically logging all access events with timestamps and user identification, enables remote access control through networked communication, and eliminates the labor-intensive process of manual record-keeping while maintaining straightforward system deployment.
4Ease of operation
If pharmaceuticals are stored in unsecured refrigerators, then access is convenient, but temperature monitoring and security control are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single unified system: the motor-driven lock mechanism provides both security control and automated access logging, the computer network interface enables both remote monitoring and temperature tracking, and the control software coordinates both door access authorization and environmental condition monitoring. This multi-functional integration ensures that convenience of access is maintained through electronic authorization while simultaneously providing reliable temperature monitoring and security control that would be absent in unsecured refrigerators.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures secure storage and monitoring of pharmaceuticals, prevents administration of improperly stored medications, and ensures delivery of consistent quality by tracking access and environmental conditions, preventing distribution of potentially tainted products.
Implementation Method 1
a motor drive mechanism moves the latch member from an engaged or lowered position, in engagement with the latch strike member, to a released or raised position out of engagement with the latch strike member so as to unlock the refrigerator
Implementation Method 2
The lock may include a temperature detector to monitor whether the temperature level inside the refrigerator cabinet is acceptable
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely or locally actuable refrigerator door lock has a body portion that is attached to the cabinet and a door portion that is attached to an edge of the door. A latch in the body portion engages a strike plate in the door portion and can be lifted out of engagement to open the refrigerator. The door lock assembly may be connected to a touch-screen device or via a USB or ethernet connection to a remote host computer. The host computer keeps an audit trail of the times and personnel accessing each refrigerator, and a temperature audit trail. The system may be used in hospital for controlling access to pharmaceuticals or may be used in a weight loss program. Temperature and humidity sensors are positioned within the refrigerator cabinet. The door lock may have battery power for portable or mobile applications.