Device and system for secure package delivery by a mobile robot
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package delivery methods, such as drones and autonomous vehicles, face challenges like noise pollution, safety concerns, and inefficiencies in delivering packages of varying sizes, particularly in last-mile delivery, where ground-based robots offer a promising but require improved compartmentalization for secure and flexible package storage.
Innovation Solution
A multi-compartment storage container with individually lockable compartments, adjustable in size, and a locking mechanism using rolls or slats that can be electronically secured, allowing for secure and flexible storage within a mobile delivery robot, ensuring each package is accessible only to its intended recipient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single large compartment is used for package delivery, then the robot can carry more packages, but packages of varying sizes cannot be securely stored and delivered individually
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into multiple compartments separated by separating walls that can be positioned at different locations. Each compartment is individually lockable, allowing packages of varying sizes to be securely stored in separate sections while maintaining individual access control for each package
2Reliability
If multiple fixed-size compartments are used, then individual package security is improved, but flexibility in accommodating packages of different sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The separating walls are made movable and can be repositioned along the length of the container using fixing elements at different locations. This dynamic configuration allows the compartment sizes to be adjusted based on the specific package dimensions, providing both security through individual lockable compartments and adaptability to various package sizes
3Ease of operation
If all compartments are accessible at all times, then ease of access is improved, but security and privacy for each recipient is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Each compartment is equipped with its own individual locking mechanism, allowing selective access control. The locking elements can be independently engaged or disengaged for each compartment, enabling the robot to deliver packages to multiple recipients during a single run while maintaining security and privacy for each recipient's specific package
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention discloses a storage container, comprising a rigid body including a floor, a front wall, a back wall, and side walls, at least one separating wall, and a plurality of fixing elements for removably fixing the separating walls to the storage container. The storage container further comprises a locking element. The container further comprises a plurality of compartments configured to be separated by the separating wall and locked via the locking element. Further, a system comprising a mobile robot and the storage container is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for secure package delivery employing the system.