Reusable Parcel Package with Electronic Seal and Smart Tag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parcel distribution systems face challenges with high carbon footprints due to single-use cardboard and existing reusable solutions that generate waste or require additional tools for opening, and are not suitable for decentralized systems.
Innovation Solution
A reusable package with a reversible electronic seal using a slide fastener or hook and loop tape, equipped with a smart tag that detects whether the seal is broken or intact, allowing for tamper detection and state history storage without needing additional tools for opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cardboard is used for constructing parcels, then the material is cheap and easy to handle, but the carbon footprint is too high and the package can be easily opened and resealed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from disposable cardboard to reusable rigid material, and changes the sealing parameter from simple tape to an electronic seal system with sensor and smart tag, transforming the package from single-use to reusable while maintaining ease of handling
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic seal system automatically detects opening attempts through the sensor and records state changes on the smart tag without requiring external intervention, enabling the package to monitor and report its own security status
2Ease of manufacture
If tape is used to seal the parcel, then it is cheap and easy to handle, but any person can open the parcel and reapply the tape
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical tape sealing system with an electronic seal system that uses a sensor to detect coupling state and a smart tag to record and communicate seal status, providing both ease of sealing and reliable security monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic seal system provides feedback through the smart tag that communicates the seal status (intact or broken) to external systems, enabling tracking and verification of package security throughout the supply chain
3Duration of action of stationary object
If cable ties or strip locks are used to make the package tamper proof, then the package can be reused multiple times, but waste is generated when breaking the cable tie or strip lock
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical cable tie or strip lock system with a reversible electronic seal using a slide fastener or hook and loop tape coupled with an electronic sensor and smart tag, enabling multiple reuse cycles without generating waste while maintaining tamper detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic sensor and smart tag act as intermediaries that detect and record the seal state without requiring physical destruction of the sealing mechanism, allowing the same seal to be opened and closed multiple times without degradation or waste generation
4Reliability
If electronic locks with keys are used to provide security, then the package can be secured, but additional tools are required to open the package
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the key-based mechanical lock system with an electronic seal system that uses a reversible coupling mechanism (slide fastener or hook and loop tape) detected by a sensor, allowing the package to be opened without keys while maintaining security monitoring through the smart tag
5Duration of action of stationary object
If reusable packages are required to return to the sender, then the package can be reused, but the distribution system becomes centralized and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The smart tag provides feedback about the package seal status and history to various parties in the distribution system, enabling decentralized tracking and verification that allows packages to flow freely between different couriers, recipients, and senders without requiring return to the original sender
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic seal system with smart tag is designed to be universally compatible with different distribution system participants, allowing the same package to be sealed, opened, inspected, and resealed by different couriers and handlers throughout the supply chain without system-specific constraints
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A reusable package (10) for use in a parcel distribution system, the package (10) comprising - a base (20) and an opposite lid (30) defining an internal space (12), wherein the package (10) comprises a closable opening (32) for enabling access to the internal space (12), the closeable opening (32) being closable along a strip (50) by a reversible slide fastener (52) or hook and loop tape (58); - a first mating unit (14) positioned on the package (10); - a flap (60) extending from the package (10), wherein the flap (10) and the first mating unit (14) are positioned on opposite sides of the strip (50), the flap (60) including a second mating unit (62) complementary to the first mating unit (14); - an electronic seal (70) including a sensor (72) configured for detecting whether the mating units (14,62) are coupled and/or uncoupled; - a smart tag (80) connected to the sensor (72), the smart tag (80) comprising a local power storage (81), a communication module (82), a processor (84) and a computer-readable medium (86) having stored thereon a computer program causing the processor (84) to determine a change of state as a function of data from the sensor between - a broken seal state (100), wherein the mating units (14,62) are uncoupled; and - a connected seal state (200) wherein the mating units (14,62) are coupled, wherein the computer program further causes the processor to store state history on the computer-readable medium (86).