Modifiable Pickup Storage Compartments with Dynamic Partitioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pickup locations often reach maximum capacity due to high demand, leading to insufficient storage space for items, especially during peak periods like holiday shopping, resulting in inefficiencies in storage compartment utilization.

Innovation Solution

Implementing modifiable storage compartment configurations using partition positioning elements, such as electronically controlled rollers and actuators, to optimize storage density by dividing larger compartments into smaller ones based on item sizes, and adjusting door operations to match new compartment sizes, with modifications scheduled during low-usage times or increased demand periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If storage compartments are kept large and fixed in size, then fewer compartments are needed structurally, but storage density decreases and unused space increases during low-demand periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidunused storage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides large storage compartments into smaller sub-compartments using movable partitions. This segmentation allows the storage system to create multiple smaller storage units from a single large compartment, enabling better matching of storage space to item sizes and reducing unused space during low-demand periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamically adjustable storage compartment configurations where partitions can be repositioned or removed based on demand. This transforms fixed storage compartments into flexible, adaptive units that can change size and number to optimize storage density according to real-time needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If storage compartment configurations are made modifiable with movable partitions, then storage density and flexibility improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage configuration flexibilityVSAvoidpartition positioning mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the system automatically determines optimal partition positions based on item characteristics and storage requirements. The control system autonomously manages the complexity of partition positioning without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in optimizing storage configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex manual mechanical partition adjustment systems with automated control mechanisms. By using electronic controls and automated positioning systems, the patent reduces the operational complexity while maintaining or enhancing the adaptability of storage configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If partitions are frequently repositioned to optimize storage, then storage efficiency improves during demand changes, but time is lost during configuration modifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage utilization efficiencyVSAvoidtime for configuration modification

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and pre-positioning partitions based on predicted or scheduled demand patterns. The system proactively adjusts storage configurations in advance of actual demand changes, reducing the time needed for modifications when real-time adjustments are required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic configuration adjustments rather than continuous or frequent changes. By scheduling partition repositioning at regular intervals or based on predicted demand cycles, the system optimizes storage efficiency while minimizing the total time spent on configuration modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach maximizes storage capacity and efficiency by ensuring optimal storage density, allowing for more items to be stored without excess unused space, particularly during high-demand periods, thereby enhancing the overall operational efficiency of pickup locations.

Implementation Method 1

electronically controlled rollers and actuators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10053288B1Pickup locations with modifiable storage compartment configurations and corresponding door operations

Publication Date: 2018.08.21 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

Storage compartment configurations of pickup locations may be modified (e.g., by dividing larger storage compartments into multiple smaller storage compartments, or vice versa) based on sizes of items to be delivered to the pickup locations, so as to allow more items to be stored with less unused space in each of the storage compartments. Partitions may be positioned (e.g., inserted, moved, removed, etc.) utilizing positioning elements (e.g., rollers, motors, actuators, robotic arms, etc.) for configuring the sizes of each of the storage compartments. Door operations for each of the storage compartments may be modified so as to correspond to the current sizes of the storage compartments, and in some instances multiple doors may be utilized for providing access to larger storage compartments while individual doors may be utilized for providing access to smaller storage compartments.