Locker Bank Parcel Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 'last mile problem' in parcel delivery, where challenges arise when consignees are not present to receive parcels, leading to multiple delivery attempts and increased costs for common carriers.
Innovation Solution
A direct-to-locker bank delivery system that utilizes a computerized locker bank and remote logistics servers to determine if related parcels can be routed directly to a locker bank instead of attempting delivery at the primary location, thereby reducing unnecessary delivery attempts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple delivery attempts are made at the primary delivery location, then delivery reliability is improved, but delivery cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a locker bank as an intermediary delivery location between the carrier and the consignee. Instead of repeatedly attempting delivery at the primary location, the system routes parcels to a locker bank where they can be securely stored and retrieved by the consignee at their convenience. This intermediary approach ensures reliable delivery while eliminating the need for multiple costly return trips.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by determining in advance whether a consignee already has a parcel at the locker bank before attempting delivery. The computer system checks the status of related parcels and proactively routes new parcels to the locker bank if the consignee is expected to be there, avoiding unnecessary delivery attempts and optimizing resource allocation.
2Reliability
If multiple delivery attempts are made at the primary delivery location, then delivery reliability is improved, but delivery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locker bank serves as an intermediary that eliminates the time-consuming cycle of multiple delivery attempts. By routing parcels directly to the locker bank where the consignee is already present or will be present, the system significantly reduces the time required to complete delivery while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of consignee presence and parcel status before initiating delivery. This advance checking allows the system to route parcels efficiently to the correct locker bank location, avoiding time-wasting delivery attempts and optimizing the overall delivery timeline.
3Reliability
If delivery attempts are made when consignee is absent, then delivery completeness is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locker bank acts as an intermediary that decouples the delivery process from the consignee's presence at the primary location. Parcels are routed to the locker bank where they can be securely stored and later retrieved by the consignee, ensuring complete delivery without consuming resources on futile delivery attempts when the consignee is absent.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary status checks to determine whether the consignee is present or expected at the delivery location before attempting delivery. This advance determination allows the system to route parcels to the locker bank instead of making resource-consuming delivery attempts when the consignee is absent, optimizing resource utilization while maintaining delivery completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
A synchronized delivery system for delivering parcels directly to an alternate delivery location such as a locker bank in lieu of making any delivery attempt at a primary delivery location such as a home or office. The system may deliver parcels directly to the alternate delivery location when a related parcel is currently stored at the alternate delivery location awaiting pickup. A related parcel may include a parcel addressed to the same consignee, to a related consignee (e.g., such as a neighbor, roommate, or spouse), or to another authorized to pick up parcels on behalf of the consignee. When delivering parcels to alternate deliver locations, the system may facilitate a grouping of related parcels in a single locker.