Rotary Latch Locking Mechanism for Secure Propane Tank Vending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for vending sensitive products like propane tanks are inefficient, requiring significant labor, potential safety hazards, and increased costs due to the need for frequent tank replacements and manual refilling processes.
Innovation Solution
A secure vending system using locked storage receptacles with a two-keyway locking mechanism, where a vendee key is released to consumers to access and exchange refillable containers, ensuring safety, convenience, and cost efficiency by allowing self-service propane tank refills and exchanges without attendant assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual refilling and exchange programs are used, then consumers can obtain propane tanks, but labor costs increase and safety hazards arise from staff handling hazardous materials
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism enables consumers to independently exchange propane tanks using a vendee key without staff intervention. The consumer inserts the key, the mechanism automatically unlocks to allow tank removal, and the key is captured, completing the exchange process autonomously and eliminating safety risks associated with staff handling hazardous materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The vendee key serves as an intermediary device that mediates the exchange process between the consumer and the secured storage receptacle. It transfers the unlocking function from staff to the consumer, enabling safe and convenient self-service while the key capture feature ensures controlled access.
2Reliability
If manual refilling processes are used, then propane tanks can be refilled, but the process becomes time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The automated locking mechanism allows consumers to perform tank exchanges independently and rapidly. The process involves inserting a vendee key, automatic unlocking, tank removal, and key capture - all without staff intervention. This dramatically increases exchange speed and productivity while maintaining secure storage through the locking mechanism.
3Reliability
If secured storage receptacles are used, then product security is maintained, but access control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed for self-service operation where the consumer independently controls access. The vendee key inserts and rotates to automatically actuate the locking mechanism - the consumer turns the key, the mechanism unlocks, the consumer removes the tank, and the key is captured. This simple automated process maintains high security while minimizing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock mechanism is disclosed, the lock mechanism having a rotary latch configured for rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position, the rotary latch rotating in a first plane and the rotary latch is retained in the locked position after it has been rotated into the locked position from the unlocked position, the rotary latch being spring biased into the unlocked position by a biasing member; and a first lock mechanism for retaining the rotary latch in the locked position after rotation of the rotary latch into the locked position, the rotary latch being capable of being manipulated back into the unlocked position from the locked position after actuation of the first locking mechanism into a release position, wherein actuation of the first lock mechanism is in a second plane that is not parallel to the first plane.