Robotic Delivery to Locked Storage Containers Without Human Attendance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in e-commerce is ensuring secure and efficient delivery of goods to unoccupied sites, as existing systems face issues with theft and damage when recipients are not available to receive packages.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing driverless vehicles for robotic delivery to locked storage containers, which determines availability, sends access signals, and securely deposits goods, eliminating the need for human attendance during delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual delivery to unoccupied sites is used, then delivery can be made to any location, but security against theft and damage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery accessibilityVSAvoiddelivery security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A locked storage container serves as an intermediary between the delivery vehicle and the final destination. The container provides a secure intermediate holding location that maintains delivery accessibility while ensuring security against theft and damage. The container is equipped with electronic locking mechanisms and access control systems that allow authorized retrieval while preventing unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service delivery where the locked storage container autonomously secures and protects goods without requiring human presence during delivery. The container's electronic locking system and integrated sensors provide automatic security functions, eliminating the need for a recipient to be physically present to receive and secure the package.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If human delivery personnel are used, then flexible delivery scheduling is possible, but accident risk and fuel consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery scheduling flexibilityVSAvoidaccident risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces human delivery personnel with an automated delivery vehicle equipped with robotic mechanisms. The vehicle uses mechanical arms, conveyors, or robotic grippers to transfer packages to the locked storage container, eliminating human involvement in the physical delivery process. This substitution maintains scheduling flexibility through programmable control while eliminating accident risk associated with human drivers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated delivery vehicle operates autonomously using onboard navigation systems, sensors, and control algorithms. The vehicle self-navigates to delivery locations, self-loads packages from storage facilities, and self-unloads into locked containers, providing flexible scheduling without human intervention. The system can be programmed to operate at various times and adapt to different delivery requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If human delivery personnel are used, then complex delivery tasks can be performed, but fuel consumption and carbon emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery capabilityVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces human-powered or human-operated vehicles with electric or hybrid automated delivery vehicles. These vehicles use electric motors powered by batteries or regenerative braking systems, significantly reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The robotic delivery mechanisms perform complex tasks such as package handling, navigation, and secure deposition with high efficiency and minimal energy waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If locked storage containers are used, then delivery security is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery securityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locked storage container is designed as a multi-functional unit that combines secure storage, electronic locking, access control, and communication capabilities in a single integrated system. The container serves multiple purposes: securing packages during unattended delivery, providing authorized access control, tracking delivery status through sensors, and communicating with the central management system. This universality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple functions into one device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the storage container, locking mechanism, access control system, and communication interface into an integrated unified system. The electronic lock is integrated directly into the container structure, sensors are embedded within the container, and communication modules are built-in, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing system complexity while maintaining high security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11429917B2System and method for robotic delivery

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 HOME VALET INC

AI summary

An improved method for the delivery of an ordered item to a locked storage containers comprising determining the availability of the container to receive a delivery; identifying a time interval during which the delivery can be made; sending a signal to the storage container allowing access by a delivery agent, the improvement wherein delivery is achieved with a robotic positioner and a driverless vehicle.