Lotte lockbox and parcel management system
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of unattended parcels due to e-commerce deliveries has led to a rise in package theft, posing a burden on e-commerce businesses, delivery companies, and consumers, as existing security measures are inadequate to prevent theft.
Innovation Solution
A lockbox and parcel management system with multiple compartments, controlled via an access device that uses a unique access code for secure package drop-off, integrating with e-commerce services and deliverer devices for secure communication and logging, and physically secured to prevent movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If parcels are left unattended at homes or places of business for e-commerce delivery, then delivery convenience is improved, but security against theft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lockbox as an intermediary secure storage unit between the deliverer and the consumer. The lockbox receives parcels from deliverers and provides controlled access to consumers, eliminating the need for unattended parcel placement while maintaining delivery convenience. The lockbox acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between convenient unattended delivery and security against theft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based locking systems with electronic access control systems. The lockbox uses electronic locks, access codes, and digital authentication methods instead of physical keys, enabling more secure and controllable access while maintaining ease of use for authorized consumers.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a lockbox with access control is implemented, then security against theft is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lockbox is designed to perform multiple functions within a single device: secure storage, electronic access control, parcel management, and communication with deliverers and consumers. By consolidating these functions into one universal device, the system achieves high security without requiring multiple separate complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lockbox system enables self-service operation where consumers can access their parcels using personal identification information, and deliverers can deposit parcels without direct interaction with consumers. The system automatically manages access control, locking, and unlocking operations, reducing the need for manual security management.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple compartments are provided in the lockbox, then parcel organization and security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lockbox is divided into multiple separate compartments, each capable of independent locking and access control. This segmentation allows different parcels to be stored in separate secured spaces, improving overall security and organization. Each compartment can be accessed independently based on specific access codes or authorization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different compartments within the lockbox can have different security levels, access control settings, or designated purposes. This local quality approach allows customization of security parameters for each compartment based on the specific requirements of the parcels it contains, optimizing both security and usability.
Data Source
AI summary
A lockbox and parcel management system is implemented in which a lockbox having multiple compartments is controllable via an access device that locks and unlocks respective compartments upon receiving a proper access code input. A user may place an order with an e-commerce service using an e-commerce application or website. The e-commerce service, upon receiving the order, may transmit order information to a lockbox remote service which can communicate with a user device associated with the user who placed the order, the access device for the lockbox, and a deliverer's device from the delivery company. The lockbox remote service or authorized user/owner may set access codes for the deliverer to open and place a parcel in a lockbox's compartment for safe and secure storage until the user arrives home.