Parcel storage system that reduces movements and operations performed by an entity for discharging and retrieval of parcels

The parcel storage unit addresses inefficiencies in existing systems by using a lever unit and flaps to direct parcels into storage containers, reducing operations, minimizing footprint, and improving ergonomics while lowering costs.

WO2025094215A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-05-08UNBOXROBOTICS LABS PTE LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/IN2024/052177
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-11-04
Filing Date
2024-11-04
Publication Date
2025-05-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing parcel storage systems face challenges in optimizing storage efficiency, reducing the number of operations or movements required by entities, and minimizing physical footprint while maintaining ergonomics and reducing costs.

Method used

A space-saving parcel storage unit that includes storage containers, flaps, and a lever unit, allowing entities to actuate the lever unit to position the flaps and direct parcels into designated storage containers with reduced physical effort and vertical space requirements.

Benefits of technology

The system enhances storage efficiency by reducing the number of operations and movements, minimizes physical footprint, improves ergonomics by eliminating hard-to-reach areas, and reduces capital and operational costs without the need for motorized mechanisms.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a space-saving parcel storage unit (100) designed to enhance storage efficiency and improve ergonomic handling of parcels. This storage unit incorporates one or more storage containers (108A-N), one or more flaps (110A-N) arranged in a predetermined configuration, and a lever unit (112) that controls the movement of the one or more flaps (110A-N). The parcel storage unit effectively reduces the need for at least one entity (102), whether human operators or automated machines, to reach into hard-to-access areas within the parcel storage unit that may pose challenges due to depth, height, or obstruction by other components.
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Description

PARCEL STORAGE SYSTEM THAT REDUCES MOVEMENTS AND OPERATIONS PERFORMED BY AN ENTITY FOR DISCHARGING AND RETRIEVAL OF PARCELSBACKGROUNDTechnical Field

[0001] The embodiments herein generally relate to the technical field of handling parcels, and more specifically to a parcel storage unit for storing parcels to optimise storage efficiency with reduced number of operations or movements performed by an entity.Description of the related art

[0002] The operations performed in the warehousing industry comprising items or parcels sorting, order consolidation, and item storage, etc., require a considerable storage space and ease of access to discharge / pick / retrieve the parcel from their respective storage locations / containers. To meet these demands, various static, movable, or hybrid storage systems are available on the market. However, existing solutions often face limitations in areas such as space efficiency, accessibility, and higher capital and operational expenses. The demand driven growth is pushing for more efficiency in terms of storage space and more ease of access for the human operators / automated machines associated with the processes. In addition, there is a requirement to decrease the capital and operational expenditure to drive profitability.

[0003] Various industries employ either automated machines or mechanical devices to perform tasks autonomously or with minimal human input or human operators to perform operations like sorting, consolidating, and storing the parcels. Typically, in both automated or manual operation in existing systems, an automated machine or a human approaches a designated location, and discharges the parcels directly into a storage space. Alternatively, a chute may be used to guide the parcels into the storage space, when the storage space is located away from the designated location i.e. a discharge location. However, the chute functions for directing i.e. sliding, the parcels into the storage space, pose challenges when multiple storage spaces are to be accessed from the same destination i.e. the discharge location. The vertical space required by the storage system also increases, when the storage spaces are stacked vertically.

[0004] In traditional setups, the arrangement of storage containers directly on the ground typically requires a footprint of 500mm x 500mm per container, where each containermeasures 500mm in width, 500mm in depth, and 800mm in height, featuring a top opening of 500mm x 500mm. When these storage containers are stacked horizontally, they occupy a significant floor area, which limits available space for other operations within the warehousing industry. To optimize space, some configurations arrange the storage containers vertically, thereby reducing their footprint to 500mm x 250mm per container. However, this vertical stacking can present challenges. In certain automated operations, specific automated machines may need to perform extensive strokes and movements to discharge parcels into the desired storage level. In manual operations, human operators can typically reach and discharge parcels into the designated storage levels. Nevertheless, accessing storage containers from top-level storage spaces positioned at considerable heights poses significant challenges for human operators, making it difficult for them to retrieve or interact with the storage containers safely and efficiently.

[0005] In another existing system, a motorized chute is introduced where the human or an automated machine can discharge the parcels to the motorized chute which enables the movement of the parcels to the desired storage space from the same discharge location through an external command or by sensing the item or the parcel placed on the motorized chute, but the motorized chute is expensive to install and operate. Further, these existing systems have numerous drawbacks including high costs, restricted adaptability in handling the parcels.

[0006] Therefore, there arises a need to address the aforementioned technical drawbacks in existing technologies in the parcel storage unit for storing parcels to improve the storage efficiency with reduced number of operations or movements performed by an entity in a cost-effective way.SUMMARY

[0007] In view of the foregoing, an embodiment provides a space-saving parcel storage unit to enhance storage efficiency by reducing the number of operations or movements performed by an entity, while minimizing physical footprint and improving ergonomics by eliminating the need for entities to reach into hard-to-access areas. The hard-to-access areas are the areas within the parcel storage unit that may be challenging to reach due to depth, height, or obstruction by other components, requiring additional stretching, bending, or physical effort.

[0008] The parcel storage unit includes one or more storage containers, one or more flaps, and a lever unit, each of which may be held together within an integrated structure or supported by individual structures. The one or more storage containers are for storing parcels.The one or more flaps are arranged corresponding to the one or more storage containers in a predetermined position. The lever unit is mechanically attached to the one or more flaps. The lever unit is configured to control the position of the one or more flaps.

[0009] The parcel storage unit enables at least one entity to: (i) actuate the lever unit to position the one or more flaps as desired, and (ii) discharge the parcels onto a first designated storage container after moving the one or more flaps to the desired position when storing the parcels in the first designated storage container. Additionally, the parcel storage unit enables the at least one entity to: (i) discharge the parcels onto the one or more flaps, and (ii) actuate the lever unit to position the one or more flaps so that the parcels move from the one or more flaps to a second designated storage container when storing parcels in the the second designated storage container.

[0010] In some embodiments, the lever unit is actuated by at least one entity by applying a mechanical force. The lever unit is configured to actuate the one or more flaps by transferring the mechanical force. The at least one entity may be any of a user, or an automated machine.

[0011] In some embodiments, the lever unit is actuated by at least one entity, an automated machine or a human operator by applying a mechanical force. The lever unit is configured to actuate the one or more flaps by transferring the mechanical force.

[0012] In some embodiments, the at least one entity can be an automated machine or a human operator, which is equipped with an interface that provides instructions for storing the parcels at designated storage containers. The interface can receive information from a server which is a dedicated system that processes and distributes data and commands to manage operations, predefined logic, or input from different users, outlining the operational sequences for discharging the parcels into their respective storage containers. However, the interface may not always be necessary for a human operator, as the human operator relies on their training and experience, or the at least one entity may be pre-programmed based on parcel data to execute these operations independently.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least one entity includes one or more activation points to initiate actions by analyzing the instructions for discharging the parcels into their respective storage containers through the actuation of the one or more flaps.

[0014] In some embodiments, the server provides instructions to the at least one entity i.e. either an automated machine or a user, on where to store the parcels. The user may analyzerelevant parcel information or refer to printed documentation to determine the appropriate discharge locations, ensuring that the parcels are correctly stored in their designated storage containers.

[0015] In some embodiments, the one or more storage containers are designed to be placed directly on the ground. Additionally, the parcel storage unit features a rack arrangement that includes one or more holding trays, each aligned to accommodate its respective storage container.

[0016] In some embodiments, the predetermined position of the one or more flaps is in any of a flat position, or a specific angle position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the angular position of the one or more flaps is controlled by the lever unit that operates through one or more mechanisms, which may include any combination of a cam mechanism, linkage mechanism, gear mechanism, string mechanism, or chain and sprocket mechanism.

[0018] In some embodiments, the one or more flaps are connected through a motion transmitting mechanism for simultaneous actuation with the lever unit.

[0019] In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a method for operating a space-saving parcel storage unit to enhance storage efficiency and improve ergonomics by reducing the physical effort required from the entity during parcel handling. The method includes assessing parcel data to identify designated storage containers for the parcels to be stored. Once the parcel data is assessed, at least one entity, which may be an automated machine or a human operator, travels to the discharge location. The at least one entity then actuates a lever unit by applying a mechanical force, where the lever unit mechanically connected to one or more flaps within the parcel storage unit.

[0020] In some embodiments, the angular position of the one or more flaps is controlled by a lever that operates through one or more mechanisms, which may include any combination of a cam mechanism, linkage mechanism, gear mechanism, string mechanism, or chain and sprocket mechanism. The at least one entity discharges the parcels onto a first designated storage container after adjusting the one or more flaps to the desired position, allowing the parcels to be directed from the one or more flaps into the first designated storage container effectively. Additionally, the at least one entity discharges the parcels onto the one or more flaps and actuates the lever unit to position the one or more flaps, enabling the parcels to movefrom the one or more flaps into a second designated storage container when storing the parcels in the second designated storage container.

[0021] The at least one entity utilizes an interface that provides operational instructions for dropping off the parcels at designated destinations. The interface may receive information from a server, which is an integrated system that processes and distributes data, or predefined logic, or may be based on user input. In cases where instructions are not provided through the interface, the human operator may refer to printed documentation to determine the appropriate discharge locations for the parcels.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method allows the one or more flaps to be connected through a connecting rod, enabling simultaneous actuation in coordination with the lever unit. By following this method, the parcel storage unit operates efficiently, allowing the at least one entity to effectively manage the storage of the parcels while reducing unnecessary physical exertion and optimizing the overall operational workflow.

[0023] Due to the reduced vertical space of the parcel storage unit, stroke requirement of the automated machine and the movement of the user are lessened, thereby improving the speed of discharging parcels. The parcel storage unit requires less vertical space, making the top-level storage container height ergonomically accessible. By accommodating the one or more storage containers in a compact vertical area, the parcel storage unit increases storage container density.

[0024] The parcel storage unit features a plurality of rack arrangements that facilitate the storage of parcels in the one or more storage containers. The parcel storage unit enables discharging of the parcels from the same discharge location to different storage containers, with unique instructions for each storage container to store the parcels. This design of the parcel storage unit reduces the space required for storage operations. The actuation of the one or more flaps is achieved without any motorized mechanism on the parcel storage unit, which saves both cost and power consumption. Additionally, retrieving the one or more storage containers from holding trays is made easier and more ergonomically friendly due to the reduced height.

[0025] The position of the lever unit can be customised according to the size of the one or more storage containers and the weights, dimensions, and types of the parcels. This customization optimizes the lever unit's position to reduce input force and stroke requirements or to synchronize with the activities of the automated machine or the human operator,ultimately reducing the cycle time for storing the parcels. Moreover, the lever unit, along with the mechanisms connecting the one or more flaps, does not require any electronic hardware or control units, which further reduces capital costs.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a system view of a parcel storage unit for storing parcels with a reduced number of operations or movements performed by an entity according to some embodiments herein;

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an architecture of at least one automated machine i.e. at least one entity according to some embodiments herein;

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary perspective view and side view of the parcel storage unit of FIG. 1 with a lever unit according to some embodiments herein; and

[0029] FIGS. 4A-4B are flow diagrams that illustrate a method for storing parcels using a space- saving parcel storage unit according to some embodiments herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well- known components and processing techniques are omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of the ways in which the embodiments herein may be practised and to further enable those skilled in the art to implement the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0031] As mentioned, there remains a need for a parcel storage unit and a method for storing parcels to optimize storage efficiency with a reduced number of operations or movements by an entity in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The embodiments herein achieve this by proposing a system or method that sorts and stores parcels in storage containers using at least one entity based on a sorting or grouping plan. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 4B, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, these are shown as preferred embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a system view of a parcel storage unit 100 for storing parcelswith a reduced number of operations or movements performed by an entity according to some embodiments herein. The system view includes the parcel storage unit 100 and at least one entity 102. The parcel storage unit 100 includes one or more storage containers 108A-N, one or more flaps 110A-N, and a lever unit 112. The one or more storage containers 108A-N are designed to store the parcels. In some embodiments, the one or more storage containers 108A- N can be arranged in a vertical manner, a horizontal manner, or a combination of both. The one or more flaps 110A-N are arranged in correspondence with the one or more storage containers 108A-N in a predetermined position. In some embodiments, the predetermined position of the one or more flaps 110A-N can be either a flat position or a specific angled position. The one or more flaps 110A-N may serve as movable chutes that are attached to the storage structure to facilitate movements.

[0033] The lever unit 112 is mechanically attached to the one or more flaps 110A-N. In some embodiments, the one or more flaps 110A-N are connected to the lever unit 112 through mechanisms. In some embodiments, the one or more flaps 110A-N are connected to each other through a motion transmitting mechanism for simultaneous actuation with the lever unit 112. The lever unit 112 is configured to actuate the one or more flaps 110A-N by transferring the mechanical force. The angular position of the one or more flaps 110A-N can be controlled using at least one of the cam mechanism, linkage mechanism, gear mechanism, string mechanism, or chain and sprocket mechanism, or a combination thereof.

[0034] In some embodiments, the at least one entity 102 includes a user interface that enables the user to provide instructions directly to the at least one entity 102, and a control unit that enables the at least one entity 102 to perform one or more operations based on the instructions. In some embodiments, the instructions include one or more sequences of discharging the parcels and actuation of the one or more flaps 106A-N to discharge the parcels in their respective storage containers. The at least one entity 102 may also include operation triggers or activation points which can be enabled by the user to perform the one or more operations. The one or more operations may include moving to a desired destination, and discharging the parcels into the desired storage container directly or through the one or more flaps 110A-N. The at least one entity 102 is configured to receive the instructions and the parcels, to perform the one or more operations. In some embodiments, the parcel storage unit 100 includes one or more set of rails. The one or more set of rails may be a structural member that is configured to connect the one or more flaps 110A-N directly or indirectly to the one or more storage containers 108A-N.

[0035] The one or more storage containers 108A-N may include a first desired storage container, a second desired storage container, a third desired storage container, and a fourth desired storage container, arranged in a rack system. In this arrangement, the first desired storage container is positioned in a front lower position, while the second desired storage container is positioned behind it, also in the lower section of the rack. The third desired storage container is placed in a front upper position above the first desired storage container, with the fourth desired storage container positioned behind the third desired storage container in the upper section, or vice versa. The one or more storage containers 108A-N can be placed directly on ground level. In some embodiments, the rack arrangement includes holding trays that support the one or more storage containers 108A-N. The holding trays can position the one or more storage containers 108A-N in either the lower or upper sections of the rack arrangement. Additionally, the rack arrangement may consist of N sections.

[0036] In some embodiments, the lever unit 112 can be actuated by at least one entity 102, which may be an automated machine or a human operator. The actuation of the lever unit 112 by any of these entities can be transmitted to the one or more flaps 110A-N, allowing for changes to the predetermined position of the one or more flaps 110A-N. In some embodiments, the one or more flaps 110A-N transition from a first position to a second position upon actuation of the lever unit 112. The first position may be a flat orientation, allowing the at least one entity 102 to discharge parcels onto the one or more flaps 110A-N. The second position may be a slanted or angled orientation, enabling the parcels on the one or more flaps 110A-N to move into the second desired storage container or allowing the at least one entity 102 to discharge the parcels directly into the first desired storage container.

[0037] In some embodiments, the at least one entity 102 ceases to actuate the lever unit 112 once the desired position of the one or more flaps 110A-N is achieved relative to the one or more storage containers 108A-N. The one or more flaps 110A-N may be mounted on a fixed structure, a movable structure, or an external framework. The one or more flaps 110A-N may be oriented in various angles using cam mechanism, linkage mechanism, gear mechanism, string mechanism, chain and sprocket mechanism, or a combination of these mechanisms, or other systems that facilitate such adjustments. Additionally, the one or more flaps 110A-N may be interconnected through a motion transmitting mechanism, such as a connecting rod, enabling simultaneous actuation with the lever unit 112. The connection between the one or more flaps 110A-N and the lever unit 112 involve mechanisms or a combination of the aforementioned mechanisms.

[0038] When the parcels are to be stored in the first desired storage container, the parcel storage unit 100 enables the at least one entity 102 to (i) actuate the lever unit 112 to move the one or more flaps 110A-N to a desired position, and (ii) discharge the parcels on the first desired storage container after moving the one or more flaps 110A-N to the desired position. When the parcels are to be stored in the second desired storage container, the parcel storage unit 100 enables at least one entity 102 to (i) discharge the parcels on the one or more flaps 110A-N, and (ii) actuate the lever unit 112 to move the one or more flaps 110A-N to a desired position that enables the parcels to move from the one or more flaps 110A-N to the second desired storage container.

[0039] In some embodiments, the at least one entity 102 includes an actuation unit that can be activated as per the instructions, to position the one or more flaps 110A-N in an appropriate position.

[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the architecture 200 of at least one automated machine i.e. at least one entity 102 according to some embodiments herein. The architecture 200 includes a mobility assembly 202, an auxiliary manipulator assembly 204, and a discharge assembly 206. The mobility assembly 202 enables the at least one entity 102 to navigate from a first location to a second location. The second location may be a desired location. Upon reaching the desired location, the auxiliary manipulator assembly 204 plays a role in positioning the discharge assembly 206 for optimal operation. The auxiliary manipulator assembly 204 acts as a bridge between the mobility assembly 202 and the discharge assembly 206, allowing for finer positioning. The auxiliary manipulator assembly 204 manipulates the position of the discharge assembly 206 in relation to the mobility assembly 202, ensuring that the parcels are directed to the intended storage containers.

[0041] Once the positioning is complete, the discharge assembly 206 is responsible for releasing the parcels into the designated storage containers. The auxiliary manipulator assembly 204 may be integrated into the design of at least one entity 102 or may be included as an optional component, depending on the specific operational requirements.

[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary perspective view 302 and side view 304 of the parcel storage unit 100 of FIG. 1 with the lever unit 112 according to some embodiments herein. The parcel storage unit 100 includes the one or more storage containers 108A-N including a first storage container 108A, a second storage container 108B, a third storage container 108C, and a fourth storage container 108D, the one or more flaps 110A-N including a first flap 302,and a second flap 304, a first holding tray 308, a second holding tray 310, a first motion transmitting mechanism 312, and a second motion transmitting mechanism 314. The first flap 302 is placed above the first storage container 108A, and the second flap 304 is placed above the third storage container 108C. The first holding tray 308 is configured to hold and position the first storage container 108 A and the second storage container 108B, and the second holding tray 310 is configured to hold and position the third storage container 108C and the fourth storage container 108D.

[0043] When the at least one entity 102 receives the parcels, and instructions to discharge the parcels into the first storage container 108A of the parcel storage unit 100, the at least one entity 102 is configured to move to a desired location near to the parcel storage unit 100, actuate the lever unit 112 to position the first flap 302 to the second position with the first motion transmitting mechanism 312, which opens a pathway for the first storage container 108 A, and discharge the parcels into the first storage container 108 A. When the at least one entity 102 receives the parcels, and instructions to discharge the parcels into the second storage container 108B of the parcel storage unit 100, the at least one entity 102 is configured to move to a desired location near to the parcel storage unit 100, discharge the parcels to the first flap 302, and actuate the lever unit 112 to position the first flap 302 to the second position with the first motion transmitting mechanism 312, which enables the parcels to move into the second storage container 108B.

[0044] When the at least one entity 102 receives the parcels and instructions to discharge them into the third storage container 108C of the parcel storage unit 100, it is configured to move to a desired location near the parcel storage unit 100 while lifting the parcel to the appropriate height for the third storage container 108C. The entity then actuates the lever unit 112 to position the second flap 304 to the second position with the first motion transmitting mechanism 312 and the second motion transmitting mechanism 314, creating a pathway for the third storage container 108C, and discharges the parcels into that container.

[0045] Similarly, when the at least one entity 102 receives the parcels and instructions to discharge them into the fourth storage container 108D, it moves to a location near the parcel storage unit 100 and lifts the parcel to the necessary height for the fourth storage container 108D. The at least one entity 102 discharges the parcels onto the second flap 304 and actuates the lever unit 112 to position the second flap 304 to the second position with the first motion transmitting mechanism 312 and the second motion transmitting mechanism 314, allowing the parcels to move into the fourth storage container 108D.

[0046] FIGS. 4A-4B are flow diagrams that illustrate a method for storing parcels using the space-saving parcel storage unit 100 according to some embodiments herein. At step 402, the method includes enabling at least one entity 102 to reach a desired position. At step 404, the method includes determining whether the parcels are to be stored in any of a first desired storage container or a third desired storage container. At a step 406, the method includes enabling the at least one entity 102 to actuate the lever unit 112, which transfers the force to the one or more flaps 110A-N through a motion transmitting mechanism, when the the parcels are to be stored in any of the first desired storage container or the third desired storage container. At step 408, enabling at least one entity 102 to discharge the parcels in any of the first desired storage container or the third desired storage container once the one or more flaps 110A-N reaches a desired position.

[0047] When the parcels are not to be stored in any of the first desired storage container or the third desired storage container, the method includes enabling at least one entity 102 to discharge the parcels in the one or more flaps 110A-N in a step 410. At step 412, the method includes enabling at least one entity 102 to actuate the lever unit 112, which transfers the force to the one or more flaps 110A-N through the motion transmitting mechanism. At step 414, the method includes enabling at least one entity 102 to discharge the parcels in any of a second desired storage container or a fourth desired storage container once the one or more flaps 110A- N reaches a desired position.

[0048] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSI / Wc Claim:

1. A space-saving parcel storage unit (100) for storing parcels with a reduced number of operations or movements by an entity, comprising: one or more storage containers (108A-N) for storing parcels; one or more flaps (110A-N) positioned in a predetermined configuration relative to the one or more storage containers (108A-N); and a lever unit (112) mechanically attached to the one or more flaps (110A-N), wherein the lever unit ( 112) is configured to control the angular position of the one or more flaps ( 110A- N), wherein, when the parcels are to be stored in a first desired storage container, the parcel storage unit (100) enables at least one entity (102) to (i) actuate the lever unit (112) to move the one or more flaps (110A-N) to a desired position, and (ii) discharge parcels onto the first desired storage container after moving the one or more flaps (110A-N) to the desired position; and wherein, when the parcels are to be stored in a second desired storage container, the parcel storage unit (100) enables at least one entity (102) to (i) discharge parcels onto the one or more flaps (110A-N), and (ii) actuate the lever unit (112) to move the one or more flaps (110A-N) to a position that allows parcels to transfer from the one or more flaps (110A-N) to the second desired storage container.

2. The parcel storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lever unit (112) is actuated by the at least one entity (102) through the application of mechanical force, allowing the lever unit (112) to transfer this force to actuate the one or more flaps (110A-N).

3. The parcel storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one entity (102) includes multiple activation points to initiate actions by analyzing instructions for discharging parcels into their respective storage containers through the actuation of the one or more flaps(110A-N).

4. The parcel storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more flaps (110A-N) are mechanically linked through a motion-transmitting mechanism for simultaneous actuation with the lever unit (112).

5. A method for storing parcels using a space-saving parcel storage unit (100) while reducing physical footprint and improving ergonomics, comprising: providing a parcel storage unit (100) that includes: (i) a rack arrangement with one or more storage containers (108A-N) for storing parcels; (ii) one or more flaps (110A-N) positioned in a predetermined configuration relative to the storage containers (108A-N); and (iii) a lever unit (112) mechanically attached to the one or more flaps (110A-N), with the lever unit (112) configured to control the angular position of the one or more flaps (110A-N); wherein, when the parcels are to be stored in a first desired storage container, the method comprises: enabling at least one entity (102) to (i) actuate the lever unit (112) to move the one or more flaps (110A-N) to a desired position, and (ii) discharge parcels onto the first desired storage container after the one or more flaps (110A-N) have been moved to the desired position; and wherein, when the parcels are to be stored in a second desired storage container, the method comprises: enabling at least one entity (102) to (i) discharge parcels onto the one or more flaps (110A-N), and (ii) actuate the lever unit (112) to move the one or more flaps (110A-N) to a position that permits parcels to move from the one or more flaps ( 110A-N) to the second desired storage container.

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