Automated Package Delivery System with Remote Locking and Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parcel delivery systems face challenges such as repeated delivery attempts due to absent recipients, unattended parcel theft, and lack of definitive confirmation of secure delivery, which are inconvenient for both consumers and retailers.
Innovation Solution
An automated secured package delivery system with a network-connected apparatus that allows remote locking and unlocking, using RFID or NFC tracking tags for simultaneous confirmation to the purchaser and shipper, and featuring anti-vandal and anti-theft measures, including environmental control and surveillance for secure and verified delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual locking and unlocking of a lockable container is used for parcel delivery, then the parcel can be secured at the destination, but the operation becomes inconvenient for both the delivery person and the purchaser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical locking with an automated electronic locking system. The lockable container is equipped with an electronic lock that can be remotely controlled via a network connection, allowing the delivery person to lock the container electronically after depositing the parcel, and enabling the purchaser to unlock it remotely using a mobile device or access code, thereby eliminating the need for physical manual locking and unlocking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service functionality where the purchaser can independently unlock and retrieve their parcel without requiring assistance from the delivery person or any other intermediary. The electronic locking system allows the purchaser to autonomously access the container at their convenience by providing an access code or using a mobile device to trigger the unlock mechanism
2Productivity
If unattended parcel delivery is used, then delivery speed increases, but the risk of parcel theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares a secure lockable container at the destination location before the parcel arrives. The container is pre-configured with electronic locking mechanisms and network connectivity, so that when the delivery person arrives with the parcel, they can immediately deposit it and electronically lock the container without manual intervention, thus maintaining high delivery speed while ensuring security from the moment of deposit
Solution Approach 2:
The lockable container serves as an intermediary secure holding point between the delivery person and the purchaser. The parcel is transferred to this intermediate secure location rather than being left unattended in plain sight. The electronic locking system acts as a mediator that secures the parcel during the interval between delivery and retrieval, preventing theft while allowing authorized access
3Reliability
If multiple delivery attempts are made to reach the occupant, then delivery reliability improves, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the requirement for occupant presence from the delivery process. Instead of requiring the delivery person to repeatedly attempt delivery to a person at the destination, the parcel is delivered to and secured in the lockable container, which remains at the destination. The delivery is considered complete once the parcel is deposited and the container is locked, eliminating the need for repeated delivery attempts and the time they would consume
Solution Approach 2:
The purchaser independently completes the retrieval process by unlocking and collecting their parcel at their convenience. This self-service retrieval mechanism eliminates the need for the delivery person to wait for or coordinate with the occupant's availability, allowing the delivery person to complete their delivery route efficiently while the purchaser handles the timing of parcel collection themselves
Data Source
AI summary
An automated, secured package, delivery system which provides simultaneous confirmation to the purchaser and shipper, and possesses a remote locking/unlocking feature whereby delivery of the shipped item and retrieval thereof, can be effected. When an item is delivered to a purchaser of the item, a confirmation of the delivery and the status of the item is sent to each of the purchaser and a shipper of the item over a network. Remote locking and unlocking of a component accessible by the purchaser over the network is provided, which can be locked upon delivery of the item, and unlocked by the purchaser when desired to access the item.