Parcel locker system with autonomous compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic parcel locker systems are costly, complex, and inflexible, requiring expert installation and maintenance, with issues related to power connections, long-distance communication, and lack of modularity, making them unsuitable for easy installation and upgrading in various locations, including underground areas.
Innovation Solution
A parcel locker system comprising autonomous compartments with a locking module that uses short-distance wireless communication, energy management, and a processor to minimize power consumption and eliminate the need for a central controller and long-distance communication, allowing for easy installation, configuration, and compartment swapping without expert intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art electronic parcel lockers are used with central control units and long-distance communication, then reliable shipment management is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the parcel locker system into autonomous compartments, each with its own control unit and communication capabilities. Each compartment can operate independently, eliminating the need for a complex central control unit while maintaining reliable shipment management through distributed intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mobile devices as intermediaries between users and the parcel locker system. Mobile devices handle communication and control functions, allowing the parcel lockers to be simple storage units without complex embedded systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If prior art electronic parcel lockers are installed with expert technicians, then proper system configuration is ensured, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables site owners to perform installation, configuration, and maintenance themselves through simple mechanical assembly and mobile device-based setup procedures. The autonomous compartment design with standardized interfaces allows plug-and-play installation without requiring expert technicians.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having complex electronics that require expert configuration, the patent inverts the approach by making the compartments simple mechanical units with autonomous basic functions, shifting intelligence to mobile devices that users already possess and are comfortable operating.
3Reliability
If prior art electronic parcel lockers use long-distance wireless communication, then remote server connectivity is achieved, but operation in underground locations is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments communication into local short-distance wireless between compartments and mobile devices, and asynchronous bulk synchronization with remote servers when connectivity is available. This allows operation in underground locations without continuous long-distance communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic asynchronous communication where data is collected and transmitted in batches when server connectivity is available, rather than requiring continuous connection. This periodic synchronization enables operation in locations with intermittent or no long-distance communication coverage.
4Manufacturing precision
If prior art electronic parcel lockers are designed as complete units, then manufacturing quality is ensured, but transportation and installation volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the parcel locker into separate autonomous compartments that can be manufactured independently and assembled on-site. This segmentation reduces transportation volume while maintaining manufacturing quality through standardized production of individual units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic, modular system where compartments can be easily added, removed, or reconfigured on-site through simple mechanical connections. This modularity allows flexible deployment without requiring transportation of large pre-assembled units.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic locker system for parcel deposit and pick-up, comprising: a remote shipping system (106), a long distance communication network (104), at least one mobile device (102) communicating via the long distance communication network with the remote shipping system, at least one parcel locker (100) constituted of at least one autonomous compartment (110i) equipped with a door (112i) and a locking module (116i), which electronically controls locking and unlocking of the door and which establishes a local communication with the at least one mobile device via a short distance communication (118i), characterized in that the locking module comprises: an energy management module (230) configured for managing transitions of energy modes and allowing the at least one autonomous compartment to be run in a sleep mode, a radio transceiver (216) equipped with an antenna (218), and a processor (210) running a firmware configured for, while in the sleep mode, regularly emitting with the radio transceiver a broadcasted short message towards the at least one mobile device.