Help with Supermarket Shopping Cart Theft Deterrent Systems?
Jimmy asked:
The electronic locking wheel solution is an effective way to stop shopping cart loss or theft. The system works by embedding a thin wire under the concrete surface of the perimeter of the parking lot. The wheel automatically locks when it is pushed beyond the invisible barrier. The electronic wheel locking system is totally wireless reset which means the retailers does not have to bend down, lift the cart, or get their hands dirty from manually unlocking the wheels. All carts in an area can be unlocked with one touch of the button on a remote. The wheel is componentized making it easy to replace parts, reducing waste, and minimizing costs.
The electronic locking wheel solution is an effective way to stop shopping cart loss or theft. The system works by embedding a thin wire under the concrete surface of the perimeter of the parking lot. The wheel automatically locks when it is pushed beyond the invisible barrier. The electronic wheel locking system is totally wireless reset which means the retailers does not have to bend down, lift the cart, or get their hands dirty from manually unlocking the wheels. All carts in an area can be unlocked with one touch of the button on a remote. The wheel is componentized making it easy to replace parts, reducing waste, and minimizing costs.
I am looking to install one of these systems for a local supermarket. I am having a difficult time locating a supplier that has this wire or a complete system for purchase. Any leads would be greatly appreciated.
There is nothing special about the wire, it is basically just an antenna. The system works the way many proximity systems do. A low-power radio signal is put on the perimeter wire, and a receiver is placed on each cart. If the cart gets too close to the wire, the receiver triggers a wheel lock. You then have to use a remote control transmitter with a different signal to tell the receiver to release the lock. I don’t know where you can buy the system, but you can probably get someone local to make one for you. The wheel locks themselves could be made from a simple plate with holes and a solenoid driven by the receiver unit (which would then push a metal rod through the holes when triggered). Of course, you’d need a shroud to cover the thing too.