Dual-Access Storage Box for Automated Cargo Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional unmanned storage boxes require manual intervention by delivery personnel to unload cargo, leading to increased delivery time and congestion, especially when used in high-density areas.
Innovation Solution
A computerized dual-access storage box system that allows automatic access and operation from a courier vehicle, featuring a vehicle-side door and recipient-side door, which can be opened and closed electronically via an authentication process managed by a central server module, enabling direct transfer of goods from the vehicle to the box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual intervention by delivery personnel is used to unload cargo into storage boxes, then cargo can be delivered, but delivery time increases and congestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The storage box system performs self-service by automatically opening its doors and managing cargo transfer without requiring manual intervention from delivery personnel. The box autonomously detects when a vehicle is present, opens the vehicle-side door, and manages the cargo transfer process, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual operation of opening storage box doors and transferring cargo with an automated electronic control system. The vehicle-side door and recipient-side door are controlled electronically through authentication modules and central server coordination, substituting human physical labor with automated mechanical and electronic systems.
2Productivity
If courier personnel physically transport cargo into storage boxes, then cargo delivery is completed, but time requirements increase and backup/congestion occurs at unloading areas
Solution Approach 1:
The storage box is segmented into two distinct access points: a vehicle-side door for cargo loading and a recipient-side door for cargo retrieval. This segmentation allows simultaneous or sequential operations without interference, enabling the courier vehicle to deposit cargo while the recipient prepares to collect it, thereby improving cargo handling efficiency without creating congestion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central server module as an intermediary that coordinates between the courier vehicle, storage box, and recipient. The central server manages authentication, door control signals, and overall system coordination, enabling efficient automated cargo handling while maintaining system manageability despite increased complexity.
3Productivity
If conventional storage boxes are used without dual-access capability, then structure is simpler, but delivery and retrieval cannot occur simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The storage box is divided into two separate access doors: a vehicle-side door facing the road for cargo deposition and a recipient-side door for cargo collection. This segmentation enables independent operation of loading and retrieval functions, allowing the courier to deposit cargo while the recipient simultaneously or subsequently collects it, thereby achieving simultaneous delivery and retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage box incorporates dynamic door control where the vehicle-side door and recipient-side door can be opened and closed independently based on operational needs. The system dynamically adjusts door states through electronic control - the vehicle-side door opens for loading while the recipient-side door remains closed, then reverses afterward, enabling flexible simultaneous operations without structural conflict.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for shipping and handling of goods based on automatically operated, dual-access storage boxes is provided with at least one computerized dual-access storage box, at least one vehicle-authentication module, a central server module, and at least one courier vehicle. the vehicle-authentication module performs an authentication process on the courier vehicle goes for conditional access to the computerized dual-access storage box. The central server module receives an authentication request from the vehicle-authentication module. Accordingly, the vehicle-authentication module performs a first unlock event, if the courier vehicle is granted an authentication confirmation. This automatically opens a vehicle-side door for delivery of a cargo. Similarly, the central server module receives a user unlocking request. Accordingly, the central server module performs a second unlock event if the user unlocking request is verified. Further, the central server module executes the second unlock command wherein a recipient-side door is automatically opened.