Smart Locker Adjustable Shelf Boards Sliding Rail Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electronic storage cabinets with fixed locker compartments are inefficient in utilizing space for parcels of varying sizes and shapes, leading to wasted space when either large or small items are stored, as they cannot be flexibly adjusted to accommodate different volumes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A smart locker system with sliding rail components and adjustable shelf boards that can be pushed into the cabinet to create larger compartments when needed, allowing for flexible division of storage space and anti-theft features to prevent removal of shelf boards without opening adjacent locker doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed locker compartments are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the storage space cannot be efficiently utilized for parcels of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The locker compartment is divided into multiple sections by movable shelf boards that can be independently positioned. Each shelf board can be adjusted to different locations along the sliding rails, segmenting the storage space into customizable zones that adapt to different parcel sizes and shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf boards are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of compartment divisions. The sliding mechanism enables the shelves to move along rails, transforming the static locker structure into a dynamic system that can be reconfigured for different storage needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If large locker compartments are used for small parcels, then the locker can accommodate various sizes, but there is waste of space
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing movable shelf boards that can divide the locker compartment into smaller sections, the system allows small parcels to be stored in compact spaces, eliminating the waste of using entire large compartments for small items.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective storage parameters (compartment size, division positions) can be changed by adjusting the shelf board positions. This allows the same physical space to be optimized for different parcel sizes, minimizing waste while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable shelf boards are added to create flexible compartments, then storage efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex motorized or automated shelf adjustment mechanisms with a simpler manual sliding system. The shelf boards slide along fixed rails using basic friction-based or gravity-assisted mechanics, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or complex control systems while maintaining flexibility.
4Ease of operation
If shelf boards can be freely removed, then accessibility is improved, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by requiring the adjacent locker door to be opened first before the shelf board can be removed. This pre-condition check ensures that authorized access procedures are followed, allowing legitimate users to access shelves while preventing unauthorized removal by thieves who cannot open the locked door.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a smart locker, including a cabinet, a plurality of locker doors, and a plurality of shelf boards configured to vertically divide a storage space of the cabinet into one or more locker compartments. In some examples, each of the one or more locker compartments includes a locker door of the plurality of locker doors. Moreover, when a locker door of a first locker compartment of the one or more locker compartments that is adjacent to a second locker compartment of the one or more locker compartments is closed, a position of a shelf board of the plurality of shelf boards that forms the first locker compartment is limited by the locker door of the first locker compartment.