Secure Tray Selector for Controlled Access to Stored Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems lack secure and precise access control, often leading to incorrect retrieval of items and unauthorized access, particularly in environments where the correct specification and authorization are crucial, such as in 'just in time' production and medical device part delivery.
Innovation Solution
A secure storage unit with movable trays or drawers equipped with a tray selector system and securable covers, utilizing electromechanical locking devices and actuators controlled by a processor unit, allowing controlled access and movement of trays based on user input through a user interface, ensuring only authorized access to specific zones and items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional storage systems are used, then items can be stored and retrieved, but unauthorized access and incorrect item retrieval occur
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is divided into multiple discrete bays, each with independent access control. Each bay can be individually locked or unlocked, allowing selective access to specific items without exposing the entire storage system. This segmentation enables precise control over what items are accessible at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
An electronic control system acts as an intermediary between users and the stored items. The system receives authorization signals, determines which items the user is entitled to access, and controls the locking mechanisms accordingly. This intermediary layer prevents direct unauthorized access while maintaining reliable item retrieval for authorized users.
2Reliability
If all trays are always accessible, then access speed is fast, but security and controlled access are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-approves access rights for users before they attempt to access items. Authorization levels are predetermined and stored in the control system, allowing rapid verification when access is requested. This preliminary setup enables fast access for authorized users without compromising security, as the system already knows what access should be granted.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking state of each bay is dynamic rather than static. Bays can be individually locked or unlocked based on real-time authorization requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to provide fast access to specific bays when needed while maintaining security on other bays, optimizing both security and operational efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If multiple items are exposed for access, then retrieval is convenient, but incorrect item selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different bays or sections of the storage unit have different access states based on the specific retrieval task. Only the bay containing the required item is unlocked and accessible, while other bays remain locked. This localized access ensures that users can only interact with the specific item needed, eliminating the possibility of selecting incorrect items from other bays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and presents only the specific item or bay needed for the current retrieval operation, rather than exposing all items. By isolating the relevant bay and keeping others secured, the system maintains retrieval convenience for the needed item while preventing access to and potential confusion with other items.
4Reliability
If secure locking mechanisms are added to each tray, then access control improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single electronic control system serves multiple bays simultaneously, providing authorization control for the entire storage unit through one centralized interface. The control system manages locking and unlocking of multiple bays based on user authorization levels, eliminating the need for separate complex locking mechanisms for each bay and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical locking mechanisms for each individual bay are replaced with an electronic control system that uses electromagnetic actuators. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while providing more flexible and programmable access control, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining or improving security.
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
The solution provides secure, precise, and controlled access to stored items, preventing incorrect retrieval and ensuring only authorized personnel access the correct parts, enhancing the reliability and security of item retrieval in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
the selector system comprises a plurality of discrete electromechanical locking devices operably juxtaposed with respect to the trays, and configured to be individually selectable for releasing and limiting the allowable extent of movement of the selected tray
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first aspect, a secure storage unit includes a plurality of movable trays within a housing and is equipped with a tray selector system for selectively accessing a tray on demand, wherein the selector system is configured to release a selected tray for access by limiting the allowable extent of movement of the tray from a stowed to an accessible position with respect to the storage unit by a pre-determined amount whereby access to selected zones of selected trays is controlled. In an embodiment of the secure storage unit, the selector system includes a plurality of discrete electromechanical locking devices operably juxtaposed with respect to the trays, and configured to be individually selectable for releasing and limiting the allowable extent of movement of the selected tray with respect to the storage unit.