Method for forming a package container in an intelligent parcel locker

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional parcel lockers lack flexibility in creating package containers of varying sizes, leading to inefficient space utilization and increased delivery costs due to the need for larger containers for smaller parcels.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent parcel locker system with actuatable linking pins and single vane rotary actuators that form package containers of varying sizes based on parcel dimensions, using a computing device to control the actuators and form a front door.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated containers of different sizes are used in conventional lockers, then each parcel can be stored in a fixed-size container, but the interior space of the package container is not effectively used and space utilization is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer size adaptabilityVSAvoidlocker structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locker is divided into multiple bay areas, and each bay can be independently configured with adjustable shelving units and container assemblies. This segmentation allows each bay to be customized for different parcel sizes while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular replication of bay designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container assemblies incorporate movable components including adjustable shelves, extendable container walls, and reconfigurable linking mechanisms that allow the container size and shape to dynamically adapt to the parcel dimensions, transforming static fixed-size containers into dynamic flexible containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a large container is used to store a significantly small parcel, then the parcel can be accommodated, but the space utilization of the locker system becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery efficiencyVSAvoidspace waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The container assemblies feature dynamic size adjustment capabilities through extendable walls and adjustable shelving, allowing the container to shrink or expand to match the actual parcel dimensions, thereby minimizing empty space while ensuring adequate accommodation for parcels of any size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous parameter changes in container volume and shape by adjusting the position of movable walls, shelves, and linking mechanisms, allowing optimal matching between container parameters and parcel parameters to eliminate wasted space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple trips are made to the same delivery address, then the parcel can be successfully delivered, but high costs are associated with these trips

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery reliabilityVSAvoiddelivery time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The intelligent locker system enables self-service parcel retrieval where recipients can access their packages at any time using authentication mechanisms, eliminating the need for coordinated delivery appointments and multiple attempted deliveries, thereby ensuring reliable delivery without time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If fixed-size containers are used in parcel lockers, then the locker structure is simple, but the ability to change container size based on parcel size is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer size flexibilityVSAvoidcontainer configuration simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical configuration with automated control mechanisms including motors, sensors, and computing devices that automatically adjust container size based on parcel dimensions, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration while providing size flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The container assemblies are designed as universal multi-functional units that can serve multiple purposes: storing parcels of various sizes, providing secure containment, enabling automated size adjustment, and facilitating easy retrieval, all within a single reconfigurable structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250248553A1Method for forming a package container in an intelligent parcel locker

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 IMAM ABDULRAHMAN BIN FAISAL UNIV

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.