A Dispatch System
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Solution Overview
Problem
E-commerce platforms face challenges in providing a secure and efficient home delivery service for perishable goods, as existing systems require separate logistic services and are not optimized for using alternative couriers, and they often result in queuing issues at automated collection points.
Innovation Solution
Integrating an automated collection point (ACP) into a distribution centre, featuring a bi-directional roller shutter door mechanism that allows access to lockers from either side, enabling secure and efficient storage and retrieval of perishable items at controlled temperatures without the need for separate cooling systems, and allowing multiple items to be stored in a single locker for streamlined logistics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional automated collection point with lockers is used, then secure storage of goods is achieved, but customers experience queuing and waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bi-directional roller shutter door that enables access from both the front (customer side) and rear (logistics center side) of the locker. This dimensional change in access methodology allows simultaneous or sequential access from opposite directions, eliminating the need for customers to queue and wait for single-sided door openings while maintaining secure storage through controlled access mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller shutter door mechanism provides dynamic access control by being operable from both sides independently. The door can be opened from the front by customers using access codes or from the rear by logistics personnel, creating a flexible, dynamic system that adapts to different operational needs and eliminates static single-sided access limitations that cause queuing.
2Temperature
If separate cooling systems are installed in each locker, then temperature control for perishable goods is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing temperature-controlled environment of the logistics center as a shared cooling resource for all lockers. Instead of installing individual cooling systems in each locker, the system universally utilizes the ambient cold environment and airflow from the logistics center's refrigeration infrastructure, thereby achieving temperature control for perishable goods without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the cooling function of individual lockers with the centralized refrigeration system of the logistics center. By combining these cooling resources, the system achieves efficient temperature control for perishable items stored in lockers while avoiding the complexity and cost of duplicate cooling equipment in each locker unit.
3Temperature
If multiple lockers are allocated for different temperature items, then perishable goods storage is achieved, but customer access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-directional roller shutter door enables customers to access multiple lockers allocated for different temperature items from the front side without queuing, while logistics personnel can simultaneously or sequentially access the same lockers from the rear side for restocking. This dimensional access approach reduces customer access time while maintaining proper temperature storage for various perishable goods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows continuous operation where customers can access their ordered items from the front of the locker bank while logistics personnel simultaneously restock or manage items from the rear. This continuous, parallel operation eliminates idle time and queuing, maintaining efficient throughput while ensuring perishable goods are properly stored at required temperatures.
4Productivity
If a bi-directional roller shutter door is used, then access efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional single-sided hinged door mechanisms with a bi-directional roller shutter door system. This substitution uses a roller shutter mechanism that can be operated from both sides, providing superior access efficiency and simultaneous bidirectional access capability. While the manufacturing complexity increases compared to simple hinged doors, the roller shutter technology is aĉç mechanical solution that offers significant operational benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A fulfilment centre for fulfilling an order of one or more items, wherein the fulfilment centre includes: for storage of the storage; iii) a dispatch system having a plurality of lockers with an interior space for storing items, the interior space being accessible through a first opening exterior of the fulfilment centre and a second opening interior of the fulfilment centre; iv) a door mechanism operable to selectively close the first opening(s) of the lockers exterior of the fulfilment centre and the second opening(s) of the lockers interior of the fulfilment centre; and a locking mechanism configured to lock and unlock the door mechanism.