Smart Food Storage Locking Unit Remote Security Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators lack advanced security features to prevent unauthorized access and theft of valuable items like wine, which are treated as collectibles requiring optimal storage conditions and protection.
Innovation Solution
A food storage apparatus with a locking unit, communication unit, and control unit that allows remote locking/unlocking, alerts users to unauthorized access, and includes sensors for door opening, proximity detection, and image capture to report unauthorized attempts and stolen items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking unit is added to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with an electromechanical system that includes a locking motor, shaft, and bracket. This substitution allows for remote control capabilities while maintaining the physical security function, resolving the contradiction by adding intelligence to the mechanical system rather than purely mechanical solutions
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit is integrated with multiple functions including remote locking/unlocking via communication unit, alarm activation, and integration with door sensors and proximity sensors. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing both security enhancement and user convenience through a single integrated system
2Ease of operation
If remote communication capability is added to enable long-distance locking control, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication unit as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. This intermediary enables remote operation through wireless signals while keeping the physical locking system relatively simple, thus improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to perform locking and unlocking operations remotely without physically accessing the device. The communication unit facilitates self-service operation where users can control the locking mechanism from a distance, improving convenience while the automated nature of the system reduces the operational burden
3Reliability
If sensors and alert systems are added to detect unauthorized access, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the security monitoring function into separate sensor components: door sensors for detecting door opening, proximity sensors for detecting unauthorized approach, and image sensors for visual documentation. This segmentation allows each sensor to perform its specific function independently, improving monitoring reliability while keeping the overall system architecture modular and manageable
4Loss of information
If image capture and communication capabilities are added to report unauthorized access, then loss of information is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where image sensors capture unauthorized access events, the control unit processes this information, and the communication unit transmits alerts to users. This feedback loop ensures that information about security events is captured, processed, and communicated timely, reducing information loss while the automated feedback process minimizes manual intervention requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a food storage apparatus with improved security performance due to performing of a lock/unlock function from far away and a method of controlling the same. Also, provided are a food storage apparatus which allows a user far away to take appropriate measures by reporting approach of an unauthorized person, opening of a door, etc. or to check a thief or stolen food and a method of controlling the same. The food storage apparatus includes a body in which a storage space for storing food is formed, a door installed on the body to be openable, a locking unit which locks the door, a communication unit which communicates with an external terminal to receive a locking command, and a control unit which controls the locking unit to lock the door when the locking command is received from the terminal.