Solenoid Door Lock Assembly for Timed Refrigerated Case Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated display case doors require manual locking and unlocking, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when compliance with local laws regarding the sale of alcohol is necessary, and key-based systems can be inconvenient and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
An electric door lock assembly with a solenoid and timing mechanism that automatically locks and unlocks doors based on predetermined times and days, eliminating the need for manual intervention and key management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual key-based locking systems are used for refrigerated display case doors, then individual door security can be achieved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly when multiple doors need to be locked or unlocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual door locking mechanisms into a single centralized control system. The controller can simultaneously lock or unlock multiple doors through one operation, eliminating the need for separate key operations for each door while maintaining individual door security control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic locking and unlocking operations through programmable schedules and remote control capabilities. The doors can be locked or unlocked automatically at predetermined times without requiring manual intervention, significantly reducing time consumption.
2Reliability
If individual key locks are installed on each door for compliance with alcohol sale laws, then legal compliance can be enforced, but key management becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical key-based locking systems with an electronic control system. The controller uses electronic signals to lock and unlock doors according to programmable schedules, eliminating the need for physical keys and key management while ensuring compliance with alcohol sale laws through automated timing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single controller serves multiple functions: it can lock or unlock any individual door, lock or unlock all doors simultaneously, program different locking schedules for different days and times, and provide remote control capability. This multi-functionality replaces the entire key management system for multiple doors.
3Reliability
If doors are locked during prohibited times to comply with alcohol sale laws, then legal compliance is achieved, but customer access to non-alcoholic products may be inadvertently restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the locking control into individual door-level segments. The controller can selectively lock only specific doors containing alcoholic beverages while leaving other doors with non-alcoholic products unlocked. This segmentation allows precise control over which doors are locked during prohibited times, maintaining compliance while ensuring customer access to non-alcoholic products.
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
Ensures compliance with local laws by automatically locking doors during prohibited times and unlocking them when necessary, saving time and reducing the risk of errors or lost keys, while allowing flexible locking configurations based on the contents of the display cases.
Implementation Method 1
a pull-type (or push-type) solenoid secured to the bracket and having a plunger
Data Source
AI summary
An electric door lock assembly including a solenoid having a plunger movable between retracted and extended positions, and a mounting bracket for mounting the solenoid to a door or door frame so that the plunger operatively moves along a vertical axis between the retracted and extended positions. A locking arm or bolt is pivotally connected at a proximal end thereof to the plunger. A connecting arrangement causes rotational and linear pivoting of the arm relative to a horizontal axis as the plunger is moved between the retracted and extended positions such that a distal end of the arm moves between unlocked and locked positions relative to a keeper in the door. This arrangement can include the locking arm having an elongate axial slot in which a fixed pin of the mounting bracket is positioned; the pivot pin defining the horizontal axis. The proximal end of the locking arm is pivotally connected to the bottom end of the plunger. Thereby, as the plunger travels up and down the proximal end moves up and down, and the locking arm slides relative to the pin, resulting in the rotational and linear pivoting.