Package locker for packages carried by unmanned aerial vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package delivery systems lack efficient and secure methods for delivering packages, particularly pharmaceutical containers, using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to consumer locations, as they often require manual intervention and are vulnerable to theft or unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A package locker system with multiple compartments and movable floors and doors, allowing packages to be transferred via gravity or mechanical movers, ensuring secure storage and delivery to consumer-accessible compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention is used for package delivery, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but security against theft and unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The package locker system enables automated self-service delivery where packages are automatically transferred from the UAV to the appropriate compartment and made available to consumers without manual intervention. The system autonomously manages package storage, retrieval, and security, eliminating the need for human handlers while maintaining high security standards through controlled access mechanisms.
2Productivity
If automated package transfer mechanisms are implemented, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locker system is divided into multiple independent compartments, each capable of receiving and storing packages separately. This segmentation allows the UAV to deliver packages to specific compartments without requiring complex inter-compartment transfer mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high productivity through parallel storage capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The locker compartments are positioned at accessible heights and locations that enable direct transfer from the UAV, eliminating the need for complex lifting or positioning mechanisms. The system leverages the natural delivery position of the UAV to simplify the transfer process, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining efficient package reception.
3Reliability
If multiple locker compartments are used for package storage, then security and access control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locker system uses multiple segregated compartments to store different packages, with each compartment accessible through controlled mechanisms. This segmentation provides inherent security by isolating packages and enabling individual access control without requiring complex centralized management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Each locker compartment serves multiple functions: secure storage, automated package reception from UAV, and consumer access. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining robust access control and security features.
4Use of energy by moving object
If gravity-based package transfer is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but control precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locker compartments are arranged and positioned to enable gravity-based package transfer from the UAV delivery position. By designing the system to leverage natural gravity flow, the patent minimizes energy consumption for package transfer while maintaining reliability through proper compartment positioning and access control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Packages are delivered directly to the correct compartment in advance, eliminating the need for subsequent manual or mechanical transfer. This preliminary positioning action ensures that gravity-based transfer is sufficient and reliable, as packages are already in their final destination compartments when delivered by the UAV.
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
Facilitates secure, automated delivery and storage of packages, including pharmaceuticals, by enabling efficient transfer and access control, reducing theft risks and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The floor is arrangeable in a first position where the floor is arranged to support the package in the interior of the first locker compartment and in a second position where the floor is arranged to permit the package to fall, under the influence of gravity, from the interior of the first locker compartment into the interior of the second locker compartment
Implementation Method 2
A package mover is configured to move the package from the interior of the first locker compartment to the interior of the third locker compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A package locker moves packages vertically and/or horizontally to different locker compartments to create additional space at the top to receive additional packages. The packages may be delivered by an unmanned aerial vehicle. The package locker includes a locker bay including a first locker compartment and a second locker compartment. The first locker compartment overlies the second locker compartment. The first and second locker compartments each having an interior sized and shaped to hold a package. The first locker compartment includes a floor. The floor is arrangeable in a first position where the floor is arranged to support the package in the interior of the first locker compartment and in a second position where the floor is arranged to permit the package to fall, under the influence of gravity, from the interior of the first locker compartment into the interior of the second locker compartment.