Delivery Retrieval Station with Thermal Control for Perishable Items
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing popularity of remote shopping has led to challenges in delivering perishable items and ensuring their temperature stability, as well as concerns about theft and convenience, as existing solutions like locker delivery can be inconvenient and lack temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A delivery retrieval station with a receiving platform and conditioning assembly for thermal control, a destination container with insulation, and a station lock for secure access, allowing for temperature regulation and secure storage of packages at a consumer's residence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If items are delivered to a remote nonresidential location like a locker, then delivery security is improved, but consumer convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a delivery retrieval station as an intermediary between the delivery provider and the consumer. This station acts as a secure intermediary location where packages can be deposited and later retrieved by the consumer using authentication, thus maintaining security while improving convenience compared to remote locker locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery retrieval station enables consumers to self-service their package retrieval through authentication mechanisms (such as biometric or code-based access). The consumer can authenticate and retrieve packages at their convenience without requiring direct interaction with delivery personnel or visiting remote locations.
2Loss of energy
If perishable items are delivered without temperature control, then delivery cost is reduced, but item quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery retrieval station incorporates environmental control capabilities that can maintain specific temperature parameters for perishable items. The system can adjust and maintain temperature conditions within the station to preserve item quality, transforming the storage environment from uncontrolled to controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery retrieval station is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a secure storage location and as an environmentally controlled facility. The station can handle different types of packages with different environmental requirements, making it a universal solution for various delivery needs including perishable items.
3Ease of operation
If direct access to consumers' residences is granted to delivery providers, then delivery convenience is improved, but privacy and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery retrieval station serves as an intermediary location that eliminates the need for delivery providers to have direct access to consumers' residences. Packages are delivered to the station instead of directly to the consumer's home, maintaining convenience while protecting privacy and safety.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The delivery retrieval station effectively maintains perishable items at a stable temperature, enhances security, and maintains convenience by allowing controlled access to packages, addressing the challenges of remote shopping.
Implementation Method 1
a conditioning assembly in thermal communication with the receiving platform
Implementation Method 2
a destination container with insulation
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery retrieval station, as provided herein, may include a delivery base and a destination container. The delivery base may include a receiving platform and a conditioning assembly in thermal communication with the receiving platform. The conditioning assembly may be disposed within a mechanical compartment beneath the receiving platform. The destination container may be selectively mounted to the base station. The destination container may include a base wall and sidewall defining a storage chamber. The base wall may be selectively supported on the receiving platform in a delivered position.