Segmented Circular Shelves With Selective Locking Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Circular shelves used in pharmacies often lack secure partitioning, making it difficult to protect medications from unauthorized access, as they are accessible from all sides and typically do not have locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A circular shelf with a locking device comprising pivotable segments that can be arranged around the perimeter, secured by a cover that shields the shelves without completely enclosing them, allowing for selective protection of sensitive medications while maintaining easy access for pharmacy staff.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a circular shelf is made accessible from all sides for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned. Each segment can be opened or closed to provide selective access to different portions of the circular shelf, allowing authorized access while maintaining security for protected medications.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device segments are made movable and pivotable around the central column, transitioning between open and closed positions. This dynamic structure allows the shelf to switch between accessible and secured states, resolving the contradiction between ease of access and security.
2Reliability
If a locking device is added to secure medications, then the security against unauthorized access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is integrated with the circular shelf structure itself, with segments that form part of the shelf's peripheral wall. This merging of the locking mechanism with the existing shelf structure adds security functionality without requiring a completely separate complex locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device segments serve multiple functions: they form the peripheral wall of the shelf, provide structural support, and simultaneously act as locking mechanisms when closed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If a cover is added to shield the shelves, then the security against unauthorized access is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple movable sections that can be independently opened or closed. This allows authorized personnel to access specific shelves without opening the entire cover, maintaining security for protected areas while providing easy access to accessible areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover segments are designed to be dynamically movable between closed (protective) and open (accessible) positions. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to different access requirements, providing protection when needed and easy access when authorized, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A carousel type holder for items has stacked trays (13) on rotating mountings (12) on a vertical post (11). The trays are in segments for access and the system is provided with locking panels which are assembled around the holder to prevent unauthorized access to the stored items.