Storage Rack Carrier Compartments With Controlled Access Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage product carriers in storage racks often lack effective access control, leading to incorrect item selection, which can result in machinery failure, financial loss, or serious complications, especially when handling medications, due to the large size and complexity of the carriers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a storage product carrier with individually lockable compartments, featuring a closure mechanism with a locking device that can be controlled remotely, an inspection opening, and a visual indicator, along with a control and interface device for managing access rights, ensuring secure and controlled access to each compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If storage product carriers are made large to store sufficient products, then storage capacity is improved, but access control becomes more difficult and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The storage product carrier is divided into multiple compartments, each with its own closure mechanism. This segmentation allows independent control of access to different sections, enabling reliable access control even when the overall carrier is large. Each compartment can be individually locked or unlocked based on access requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Closure mechanisms act as intermediaries between the stored products and users. These closures physically block access to compartments and can be controlled to grant or deny access, providing a reliable interface that prevents unauthorized or erroneous access while maintaining large storage capacity.
2Ease of operation
If compartments are made accessible without closures, then ease of operation is improved, but security and access control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanisms are designed to be easily operated by users themselves - with features like handles for easy opening and indicators that automatically show compartment status. This self-service design maintains ease of operation while the locking mechanism itself provides the security function.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual indicators (such as colored lights or markers) are used to show the status of closures and indicate which compartments are accessible. This provides clear visual feedback to users about compartment status without requiring complex interactions, maintaining ease of use while ensuring proper access control.
3Reliability
If multiple closures are provided for different compartments, then access control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanisms are designed as universal components that can be used across multiple compartments with standardized designs. Each closure performs multiple functions: physical closure, locking, and status indication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for different types of mechanisms for different compartments, managing complexity while maintaining precise access control.
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
This solution provides enhanced access control, preventing incorrect item selection by allowing authorized access to specific compartments, ensuring secure and efficient storage operations, and simplifying the management of access rights through a centralized system.
Implementation Method 1
the locking device comprises a magnetic and/or a mechanical lock
Implementation Method 2
The compartment and/or the closing means may comprise a detector for detecting a position of the closing means
Data Source
AI summary
A storage product carrier for a storage rack includes a plurality of carrier supports spaced one above the other, arranged in pairs on opposite side walls of the storage rack and able to support the storage product carrier which is conveyable by an automatic storage/retrieval device and an access opening for accessing the storage product carriers has a plurality of compartments having openings. A closure is provided to cover at least one of the openings, wherein a locking mechanism is provided to lock the closure of the associated openings and wherein the locking mechanism can be controlled to lock the closure in a closed position or an open position such that the compartment becomes accessible.