Autonomous Delivery Platform with Secure Compartment Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current delivery services rely heavily on human operators for the last mile of package delivery, which is inefficient and may not meet the increasing demand due to the growth of e-commerce, especially for situations requiring interaction like proof of delivery or payment.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous delivery platform comprising an autonomous road vehicle, a package securing subsystem, and an access subsystem that uses destination information, PIN codes, payment systems, and near-field communication to securely and efficiently deliver packages without human intervention, allowing recipients to access compartments using personalized access information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human operators are used for last mile delivery, then interaction for proof of delivery or payment can be obtained, but operational costs increase and delivery capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system enables self-service through automated compartment locking and access mechanisms. Packages are secured in compartments that can only be accessed by recipients using their own credentials (PIN codes, biometric data, or mobile device authentication), eliminating the need for human operators to verify delivery while maintaining security and proof of delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human operators with an automated system comprising electronic controls, sensors, and communication interfaces. The mechanical aspect is substituted by electronic locking mechanisms, RFID readers, or biometric scanners that automatically verify recipient identity and release packages, thereby increasing delivery capacity without proportionally increasing operational costs.
2Reliability
If human operators are used for last mile delivery, then interaction for payment on delivery can be obtained, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service payment collection through automated interfaces. Recipients can complete payment transactions using integrated card readers, mobile payment interfaces, or pre-authorized accounts on the delivery platform itself, eliminating the need for cash handling by human operators while ensuring reliable payment collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery platform acts as an intermediary between recipients and payment processing systems. The platform's control system mediates the transaction by verifying payment information, authorizing compartment release, and recording delivery completion, thereby separating the payment function from human operational costs.
3Productivity
If autonomous vehicles are deployed to increase delivery capacity, then operational costs decrease, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous delivery system is segmented into distinct functional modules: navigation subsystem, package securing subsystem with individual compartment controls, access subsystem with multiple authentication methods, and communication interfaces. This modular segmentation allows the complex system to be developed, tested, and maintained in manageable components while achieving high delivery capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
Package delivery platform. An autonomous road vehicle is operative to receive destination information, and to drive to a destination based on the destination information. A package securing subsystem is attached to the autonomous road vehicle and comprises at least one securable compartment. Each securable compartment is operative to secure at least one package therein. Each securable compartment is associated with compartment access information. An access subsystem comprising at least one access information interface. The access subsystem is operative, upon receipt through the access information interface of compartment access information, to permit access to the compartment associated with the received compartment access information.