System and method for storing third party items at automated locker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated lockers lack the capability to efficiently manage product returns and utilize excess capacity, limiting customer convenience and efficiency in e-commerce experiences.
Innovation Solution
The system enables customers to rent product storage in automated lockers, allowing for secure storage and easy retrieval of items, including the ability to authorize third-party pickups and returns using a 3D point cloud scanner for verification and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated lockers are used for product pickup, then customer convenience is improved, but the capability to handle product returns and utilize excess capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The automated locker system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: not only product pickup but also product returns, third-party item storage, and capacity management. The system accepts returned items, processes them through verification (including 3D scanning), and manages them in the locker network, transforming a single-function pickup device into a multi-functional e-commerce fulfillment hub.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts locker capacity allocation and utilizes excess capacity for third-party item storage. The platform optimizes the use of available locker space by allowing customers to rent storage for items they own, dynamically converting unused capacity into revenue-generating storage space while maintaining customer convenience.
2Loss of time
If automated lockers are used for product pickup, then delivery time is reduced, but excess capacity at lockers is not leveraged
Solution Approach 1:
Customers can autonomously rent product storage space at automated lockers through the platform, managing their own storage needs without additional service intervention. The system automatically processes rental requests, assigns storage locations, and manages retrieval, allowing customers to self-serve the storage function while the system leverages excess capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the utilization parameter of locker capacity from fixed (only for merchant returns) to variable (available for third-party storage rentals). By adjusting how capacity is allocated and priced, the system transforms idle resources into revenue-generating assets while maintaining rapid pickup capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If customers return products to physical stores, then return processing is simple, but customer time and travel are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The automated locker acts as an intermediary between the customer and the merchant's return system. Customers deposit items at conveniently located lockers instead of traveling to physical stores. The locker system then handles verification, processing, and forwarding of returned items to merchants, eliminating the need for customer travel while maintaining return processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual return process requiring customer travel to physical stores is replaced by an automated system using lockers, verification codes, and digital processing. The mechanical act of returning items is substituted with automated verification (including 3D scanning) and electronic processing, maintaining simplicity while eliminating travel requirements.
4Loss of energy
If third-party items are stored at automated lockers, then locker capacity is utilized, but security and verification complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification actions before items are stored or retrieved from third-party storage. Verification codes are generated and assigned in advance, and items are pre-verified through processes including 3D scanning when first deposited. This preliminary action establishes a record that simplifies subsequent retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies and records of third-party items through verification processes, including 3D point cloud scanning. These digital representations serve as verification records that enable secure retrieval without requiring physical inspection, managing security through information copying rather than complex physical verification mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for storing items in customer-owned product storages at an automated locker are provided. An example system can include: an automated locker comprising a plurality of product storages and a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud scanner; a platform, wherein the platform comprises: a processor; and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising: receiving a request from a customer to rent a product storage located in one of a plurality of automated lockers; assigning the product storage to the customer; selecting a payment method by the customer and confirming a payment transaction; issuing a verification code to the entity to retrieve the item; automatically retrieving the first item from the product storage; and processing, via the 3D point cloud scanner, a return request from the customer.