Label-Free Package Shipment Using Mobile-Linked Locker Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for posting packages without labels require manual interaction with multi-compartment locker devices, making the process unhygienic and increasing queue times due to the need for button or touchscreen interaction.

Innovation Solution

An automatic scanner-equipped transmitter-receiver multi-compartment device allows remote operation via a mobile application, where data entry for shipping labels is handled by the sender's mobile device, generating a unique postage code that remains constant throughout the process, and is linked to a temporary label applied to the package, enabling remote compartment access and real-time tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual interaction with multi-compartment locker device is used, then data entry for shipping labels can be completed, but the process becomes unhygienic and queue times increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata entry processVSAvoidqueue time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing senders to remotely complete data entry through their mobile devices. The mobile application automatically transmits shipping label data to the locker device, eliminating the need for manual interaction with the device's interface. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation while eliminating queue time and hygiene concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction system (buttons, touchscreens) with an electronic communication system. Data is transmitted wirelessly from the mobile device to the locker device via a central computer system, substituting physical contact with electronic data transfer. This substitution eliminates the hygiene issue and time loss associated with manual device interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual interaction with multi-compartment locker device is used, then data entry for shipping labels can be completed, but the process becomes unhygienic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata entry processVSAvoidhygiene

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If remote operation via mobile application is implemented, then direct device interaction is eliminated and hygiene is enhanced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehygieneVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a central computer system as an intermediary between the mobile application and the locker device. This intermediary handles data transmission, coordination, and communication, allowing the mobile application and locker device to remain relatively simple while the complex logic resides in the central system. This resolves the contradiction by enhancing hygiene through remote operation while distributing system complexity to a centralized location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of time

If remote operation via mobile application is implemented, then process time is reduced, but extent of automation must be increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess timeVSAvoidautomation level

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4006850A1Method of shipment without label

Publication Date: 2022.06.01 INTEGER PL SA

AI summary

A method of posting a package without a label by means of an automatic scannerequipped multi-compartment transmitter-receiver device, comprised of the steps of remotely opening the door of the compartment of the automatic multi-compartment device, placing the package in the compartment of the automatic multi-compartment transmitter-receiver device, automatically locking the compartment door of the automatic multi-compartment transmitter-receiver device after its closure, whereby the label generated after completion of the postage process characteristic in that the entry of data to be placed on the postage label occurs via the sender's mobile device. The sender's mobile device is communicated with the automatic multi-compartment transmitter-receiver device via a central computer system that generates a virtual shipment with a unique postage code that remains the same throughout the process. The central computer system links the unique postage code to the code on the temporary label applied to the package after its removal from the compartment of the automatic multi-compartment transmitter-receiver device after the code on the temporary label has been scanned by the scanner of the automatic multi-compartment transmitter-receiver device. Subsequently, the automatic multi-compartment transmitter-receiver device detects the sender's mobile device using geolocation and retrieves the package information from the central computer system in real time.