Remote Animal Crate Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal crate systems lack a convenient and rapid method for remote unlocking and opening, especially in urgent situations where the caretaker is at a distance from the crate.
Innovation Solution
A remote opening animal crate apparatus featuring a movable door connected to a locking device with a lock pin, which can be wirelessly operated using a remote device such as a smartphone or RF key fob, allowing the lock pin to transition from a locked to an unlocked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism is used, then the animal crate provides secure containment, but it requires the caretaker to physically approach the crate to unlock it, causing delay in urgent situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key-based locking system with an electromechanical system using a solenoid actuator controlled by a remote device. This substitution eliminates the need for physical presence at the crate, enabling remote unlocking while maintaining secure containment through the solenoid-actuated lock pin that engages with the door's locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote operating device (such as a smartphone or RF key fob) as an intermediary between the caretaker and the locking mechanism. This intermediary transmits control signals wirelessly to activate the solenoid, allowing the caretaker to unlock the crate from a distance without physically approaching it.
2Productivity
If a remote operating device is added, then rapid remote unlocking is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the remote operating device communicates with a control circuit that automatically activates the solenoid upon receiving the unlock command. The system performs the unlocking operation autonomously without requiring manual intervention at the crate, reducing operational complexity despite adding remote control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal remote operating device (such as a smartphone or standard RF key fob) that can interface with various crate configurations. The control circuit is designed to work with different door types and locking mechanisms, making the system adaptable and reducing overall complexity through standardized components.
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
Enables secure and rapid remote unlocking and opening of animal crates, addressing the urgency of releasing animals while maintaining security, and is easy to install and operate across various crate shapes and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the locking device is push-pull solenoid and in another aspect, the push-pull solenoid is a twelve volt or twenty-four volt push pull solenoid
Data Source
AI summary
A remote opening animal crate apparatus and method consists of an animal crate with a door where the door is movably connected with the animal crate such that the door is movable from a closed position to an open position. A locking device, where the locking device includes a lock pin, where the locking device is configured to operate between a locked position and an unlocked position such that when the locking device is in the locked position, the lock pin holds the door in the closed position and a remote operating device where the remote operating device and the locking device are connected such that the remote operating device when activated operates to cause the lock pin to move from the locked position to the unlocked position.