Automated Locker System with Autonomous Lock Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated locker systems for package delivery and collection are complex, expensive, and often limited to single-user access, requiring continuous data connections and power, which hinders efficiency and accessibility during high-demand periods.
Innovation Solution
A package delivery and collection system utilizing a central computer system with a program running on wireless communication devices, allowing multiple users to access lockers simultaneously through short-range wireless communication, eliminating the need for a local control unit and enabling redundant data connections, thus simplifying construction and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a centralized control system with local control units is used to manage locker assemblies, then centralized monitoring and control capability is improved, but system complexity and construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the local control unit from the system architecture. Instead of having distributed intelligence at each locker assembly, the system extracts all control functions to the central server, which communicates directly with lockers through user devices. This eliminates the intermediate control layer that adds complexity while maintaining centralized monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The user's wireless communication device serves multiple functions: it acts as the interface for access requests, the communication bridge between the user and the locker system, and the vehicle for transmitting authentication codes. This multi-functional approach eliminates dedicated local control hardware while maintaining full system control capability.
2Extent of automation
If multiple lockers are grouped into a single assembly with one local control unit, then centralized control is improved, but user accessibility during high-demand periods deteriorates due to single-user limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control authority to each individual locker rather than grouping control for the entire assembly. Each locker can independently receive and process access requests from different users simultaneously through short-range wireless communication, enabling multiple users to access different lockers in the same assembly at the same time without queuing.
Solution Approach 2:
The user's wireless communication device acts as an intermediary that enables simultaneous multi-user access. Each user device independently communicates with the central server and the specific locker, allowing parallel access operations without requiring a single centralized control point that would create bottlenecks.
3Reliability
If a local control unit with direct data link is used for each locker assembly, then operational autonomy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control unit functionality from the locker assembly itself and relocates it to the central server. The locker becomes a simple execution device that receives commands directly from the central server through user devices, eliminating the need for local control hardware while maintaining the ability to operate independently during data link interruptions through code storage in the locker's memory.
4Reliability
If continuous data connection and power supply are required for locker operation, then system reliability is improved, but system adaptability to different environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing multiple authentication codes in the locker's memory before the data link is interrupted. When communication is available, the central server loads authentication codes into the locker's memory. This allows the locker to operate autonomously for extended periods without power or data connection, as it can validate access requests using pre-loaded codes, significantly improving environmental adaptability while maintaining reliability.
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
The system reduces costs and complexity, enhances reliability, and allows multiple users to access lockers simultaneously, improving efficiency and accessibility, especially during peak demand times, while maintaining secure and efficient package management.
Implementation Method 1
Each lock unit further including a processor and short range wireless communication means for communicating with each of said devices when proximate the lock unit
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery and collection system comprises a plurality of automated locker assemblies (2), each comprising a plurality of contiguous lockers (21) which are monitored and controlled by a central computer system (3). Each locker (21) has an autonomous lock unit (4) including a processor (43), memory 44 and short range wireless transceiver (45) which communicates with any of a plurality of mobile phones or other wireless devices (1). Customers of the system are granted access to the lockers by validation codes which are communicated via an enabling message from the central computer system to an app running on the customer's device (1). The app is configured to send an access request to the lock unit (4) based on the enabling message, and to transmit event details downloaded from the lock unit back to the central computer system (3). Each enabling message may authorise the user device to perform multiple deliveries or collections or may be a one-time code which cannot be used again for another collection or delivery. Multiple enabling messages may be stored on the user's device for the same or different lockers. A single device (1') may be provided proximate the assembly (2) to control access to the lockers. In other embodiments, each package (6) in a locker assembly, optionally of conventional design including a local control unit 200, may be identified by a unique package ID 61 and also by a generic product ID or SKU, and a collection invitation may be sent to a customer to collect the package responsive to a request for that product type.