Modular Parcel Locker Clusters for Offline Local Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic parcel locker systems are costly, complex, and require expert installation due to their voluminous nature, lack of modularity, and reliance on long distance communication, making them difficult to install and maintain, especially in areas without wireless coverage, such as underground locations.
Innovation Solution
A parcel locker system comprising autonomous compartments clusters that communicate locally via short distance wireless communication, eliminating the need for a central controller and long distance communication, allowing for easy installation, configuration, and compartment swaps, and enabling operation without a physical power connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If prior art electronic parcel lockers use long distance communication and central control architecture, then system functionality is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the parcel locker into autonomous compartments that can operate independently. Each compartment has its own control capabilities and can function without continuous communication with a central controller, eliminating the need for complex centralized communication infrastructure while maintaining full system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mobile devices as intermediary components between users and the parcel locker system. Instead of requiring direct long-distance communication between the locker and remote servers, the mobile device acts as a local mediator that enables communication and control functions, allowing the system to operate in areas without wireless coverage.
2Ease of manufacture
If prior art electronic parcel lockers are assembled as complete units in manufacturing plants, then system integration is achieved, but transportation cost and installation difficulty increase due to voluminous size
Solution Approach 1:
The parcel locker system is divided into modular compartments that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. This segmentation allows for smaller, more manageable transport units while maintaining system integration through simple mechanical or magnetic connections, significantly reducing transportation costs and installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic assembly mechanisms where compartments can be easily connected and disconnected during installation and maintenance. This dynamic design allows the locker to be configured in different layouts and enables quick reconfiguration without requiring expert technicians, improving both installation ease and adaptability.
3Reliability
If prior art electronic parcel lockers require electrical power connection and expert competency for installation, then system functionality is ensured, but installation cost and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and electrical installation requirements with magnetic attachment systems. Compartments can be securely mounted using magnetic forces without requiring electrical wiring or complex mechanical assemblies, eliminating the need for expert technicians and reducing installation time and costs while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous compartment design enables the system to self-configure and self-test during installation. Each compartment can independently verify its functionality and communicate its status to the system, allowing for simple plug-and-play installation without requiring expert knowledge for system configuration or troubleshooting.
4Ease of manufacture
If prior art electronic parcel lockers use standard width columns assembled vertically, then manufacturing simplicity is achieved, but adaptability to different locations and configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic modular compartments that can be arranged in various configurations rather than fixed vertical columns. Each compartment can be independently positioned and oriented to suit different space constraints and accessibility requirements, providing high configuration adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized component designs.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic locker system for parcel deposit and pick-up, comprising: a remote shipping system, a long distance communication network, at least one mobile device communicating via the long distance communication network with the remote shipping system, at least one parcel locker constituted of at least one autonomous compartments cluster including at least one compartment equipped with a door and including a locking module, which electronically controls locking and unlocking of the door and which establishes a local communication with the at least one mobile device via a short distance communication, wherein the locking module comprises: an energy management module configured for managing transitions of energy modes and allowing the at least one autonomous compartments cluster to be run in a deep sleep mode or in a sleep mode and regularly allowing a wake-up from said deep sleep mode to said sleep mode, a radio transceiver module equipped with an antenna, and at least one processor running a firmware configured for, while in the sleep mode, regularly emitting with the radio transceiver module a broadcasted short message towards the at least one mobile device.