Automated Garage Door Control for Secure Delivery Acceptance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of delivery processes, especially with online mail order businesses, often results in unreliable delivery acceptance due to fluctuating recipient availability and logistical challenges, leading to unsatisfactory alternative solutions like re-delivery attempts and security concerns with electronic door locks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a unique shipment identifier linked to both a logistics provider's computer system and a recipient-controlled garage door system, allowing secure and controlled access for delivery acceptance without compromising home security, using encrypted communication and automated garage door control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic apartment door locks are used to enable delivery acceptance, then delivery reliability is improved, but security risks and data protection concerns worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the delivery access function from the living space by introducing a garage as an intermediate zone. The garage door lock system is separated from the apartment door lock system, allowing delivery personnel to access only the garage area while the apartment remains secured. This spatial segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable delivery acceptance without compromising apartment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a garage as an intermediary space between the delivery personnel and the recipient's living area. The garage door control system acts as a mediator that enables controlled access for deliveries while maintaining the security of the main apartment. This intermediary structure allows delivery reliability to improve without exposing the living space to unauthorized access risks.
2Reliability
If the garage door is opened for delivery acceptance, then delivery reliability is improved, but security risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the garage door close automatically after a predetermined time following opening for delivery. This time-limited access window ensures that the garage remains secure after the delivery transaction is complete, preventing theft while maintaining reliable delivery acceptance during the active delivery window.
Solution Approach 2:
The garage door operation follows a periodic pattern: opening when a delivery message is received, remaining open for a predetermined time for delivery acceptance, then automatically closing. This periodic open-close cycle enables reliable delivery acceptance while minimizing security risks by limiting exposure time.
3Productivity
If automated garage door control is implemented, then delivery efficiency is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically closing the garage door after a predetermined time without requiring manual intervention from the delivery personnel or recipient. The automated control system receives the delivery message, opens the garage door, waits for the predetermined time, and then closes it automatically. This self-service approach improves delivery efficiency while managing complexity through automation rather than manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical door control with an automated electronic control system that receives digital delivery messages and automatically actuates the garage door. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with automated electronic control improves delivery efficiency while the system manages complexity through integrated electronic control rather than separate manual coordination.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Method for delivering a shipment (1) to a destination, wherein the shipment (1) is assigned a unique shipment identifier, which is attached to the shipment (1) and stored in a first computer system (3) for managing a plurality of shipments, wherein a garage (6) which can be closed by means of an automatic garage door (9, 10) is available at the destination and which can be controlled by a second computer system (8), wherein the shipment identifier on the shipment (1) is recorded after reaching the destination and transmitted to the first computer system (3), wherein the first computer system (3) then transmits a message containing the shipment identifier to the second computer system (8), whereupon the second computer system (8) triggers the opening of the garage door (10), after which the shipment (1) is transported through the garage door (10) and placed inside the garage (6).after which the garage door (10) is closed again.