Shopping Trolley Token Release With Sensor-Based Immobilizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing token systems and immobilizers for shopping trolleys do not effectively prevent chaotic stacking and unauthorized movement outside defined areas, as they lack integrated synergy and conditional release mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a sensor-based token release mechanism with immobilizer elements that detect stacking conditions and location, ensuring token release only when trolleys are properly nested and within designated areas, and allowing authorized deactivation for service personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a token system with locks and chains is used to prevent unauthorized use of shopping trolleys, then security against theft is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the token release mechanism from the traditional lock-chain system. Instead of requiring physical manipulation of locks and chains, the token is automatically released through a sensor-detectable action (nesting trolleys or placing in designated area), simplifying the device while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where customers can independently retrieve and return tokens through intuitive actions (nesting trolleys or placing in designated areas). The sensor automatically detects these actions and releases tokens without requiring staff intervention or complex manual operations.
2Reliability
If traditional token systems require additional chains and locks for releasing tokens, then security is maintained, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lock-chain system with an electronic sensor-based system. The sensor detects when trolleys are nested or placed in designated areas and automatically releases tokens, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of locks and chains while maintaining security through controlled token release.
3Reliability
If immobilizers mechanically block shopping trolleys outside defined areas, then unauthorized movement is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the immobilizer function with the token system and sensor network. The same sensor infrastructure used for token release also monitors trolley location and controls immobilizer activation, eliminating the need for separate complex immobilizer control systems while maintaining area restrictions.
4Stability of the object's composition
If sensor-based conditional token release is implemented, then chaotic stacking is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through sensors that detect trolley nesting conditions and provide information to the token release mechanism. The sensor monitors whether trolleys are properly nested or placed in designated areas and only releases tokens when correct stacking is detected, preventing chaotic stacking while maintaining manageable complexity through automated detection.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a trolley comprising an element for holding and releasing a token, said element comprising a sensor that detects whether the trolley comprising the element for holding and releasing the token is pushed inside another trolley. If this is the case, the element for holding and releasing the token activates the immobilizer and releases the token. In order to use the trolley, a token must be inserted into the element for holding and releasing the token, thus deactivating the immobilizer.