Docking Station Locker Reservation via Blockchain Ledger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scheduling delivery of products that require signatures can be challenging due to difficulties in coordinating the availability of both the delivery company and the recipient, often resulting in items being left in unsecured areas for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A system of docking stations with secure lockers and a blockchain-based reservation management system that allows for secure, scheduled deliveries by reserving capacity units in advance, using standardized lockers that can be secured to the stations via electronic assemblies and communication networks, ensuring secure and efficient delivery logistics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the recipient is required to be present at the delivery location to sign for the item, then the delivery security is improved, but the scheduling difficulty increases due to coordinating availability of both delivery company and recipient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by allowing recipients to pre-register delivery locations and pre-authorize delivery persons through a mobile application. This advance preparation eliminates the need for real-time coordination and presence, as the authorization is established before the delivery arrives.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile application serves as an intermediary between the recipient and the delivery person. It enables electronic authorization and communication, replacing the need for physical presence and manual signature coordination. The app mediates the entire delivery authorization process remotely.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the item is left in an unsecured area for extended periods to allow flexible delivery scheduling, then the scheduling flexibility is improved, but the security and safety of the item deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses disposable or temporary access credentials generated through the mobile application. These time-limited authorization codes allow the delivery person to access the item without requiring the recipient's continuous presence, enabling flexible scheduling while maintaining security through temporary, single-use access permissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The recipient uses the mobile application to self-authorize deliveries in advance, setting their own scheduling preferences and authorization parameters. This self-service approach provides maximum scheduling flexibility while ensuring the item remains secure through pre-configured authorization rules.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to manage reservations and deliveries for a docking station. More specifically, the various embodiments described herein track spaces on a docking station to determine whether one or more spaces are available when requested by a delivery device. Each space on the docking station has a corresponding capacity unit for each location on the docking station. The transactions for the capacity units are tracked in a ledger, with available capacity units indicating an open location on the docking station or contracted out capacity units indicating that either the location has a locker secured thereto or that the location is reserved for a future delivery.