Flexible intelligent parcel locker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parcel lockers have fixed, inflexible containers that do not efficiently utilize space, as they often require larger containers for smaller packages, leading to inefficient space usage and increased delivery costs.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent parcel locker system that uses a computing device connected to single vane rotary actuators and actuatable linking pins to form package containers of varying sizes based on the dimensions of the packages, optimizing space usage and allowing for flexible container sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated containers of different sizes are used in conventional locker systems, then packages can be stored, but the interior space of the package container is not effectively used when large containers store small parcels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the container walls movable rather than fixed. The container includes expandable and collapsible walls that can dynamically adjust their position to match the size of the stored package. This allows the container to transition between different volume states, optimizing space utilization while maintaining reliable package storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the dimensional parameters of the container (length, width, height) based on the package size. The container's volume parameter is adjusted to match the package volume, preventing the waste of using large containers for small parcels while ensuring adequate space for larger packages.
2Device complexity
If fixed-size containers are used in parcel lockers, then the structure is simple, but the overall parcel locker space is not efficiently used
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure transitions from static to dynamic, with walls that can move to adjust the container volume. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize space utilization for different package sizes, thereby improving delivery efficiency by maximizing the number of packages that can be stored in the available locker space.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed to perform multiple functions by adjusting its size. A single container design can accommodate various package sizes by expanding or collapsing its walls, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated container sizes and simplifying the overall system while improving productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If large containers are used to store significantly small parcels, then all packages can be accommodated, but the space utilization of the locker system becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The container walls are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the container to shrink or expand based on the package size. This ensures that even significantly small parcels are stored in appropriately sized containers, maximizing the utilization of locker interior space while maintaining the ability to accommodate all package sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The container's dimensional parameters are changed to match the package dimensions. By adjusting the container size parameter to be closely matched with the package size, the system achieves efficient space utilization while maintaining high adaptability to accommodate various package dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent parcel locker and methods for forming a package container in the parcel locker are provided. The parcel locker includes multiple front plates connected by multiple actuatable linking pins, a first single vane rotary actuator to dispense linked first side plates, a second single vane rotary actuator to dispense linked second side plates, a third single vane rotary actuator to dispense linked top plates, and a fourth single vane rotary actuator to dispense linked bottom plates. The parcel locker further includes a computing device connected to the multiple rotary actuators and the actuatable linking pins, receives a request to form the package container of a size to hold a package, generates command signals to actuate the rotary actuators to form the package container, and actuates the actuatable linking pins to form a front door of the package container.