Sliding-Tile Parcel Storage Layout for Ordered Delivery Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current package delivery systems are inefficient due to disordered packaging, movement of packages during vehicle operations, and difficulty in distinguishing delivered from undelivered packages, leading to potential damage and errors.

Innovation Solution

A package storage system comprising a rectangular holding frame with movable slabs that support packages, allowing for controlled movement and access through a common exit, using a combination of sliding mechanisms and electromagnets for precise positioning, and an external envelope with a secure access hatch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If packages are loaded into the delivery vehicle without particular rigor to save time, then loading speed is improved, but packages easily get mixed up and positioned in a disorderly manner

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading speedVSAvoidpackage order
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The storage space is divided into multiple holding frames, each further segmented into individual holding bays for single packages or small groups. This segmentation maintains order while allowing rapid loading of discrete units without manual arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Packages are pre-positioned in designated holding bays before delivery routes are finalized. The holding frames are prepared in advance with packages already in their correct positions, eliminating the need for manual arrangement during loading and preventing mixing during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If packages are stored in a compact manner to maximize space utilization, then storage capacity is improved, but packages move during sudden braking or acceleration phases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidpackage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system divides the cargo space into multiple holding frames with individual holding bays. Each bay is a separate compartment that restricts package movement while maintaining high density storage through vertical and horizontal arrangement of these segmented units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding frames and bays are designed to be dynamic rather than rigid fixed structures. They can adapt to vehicle motion and package weight distribution, providing stability during acceleration and braking while maximizing space utilization through flexible configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If manual selection of packages is performed to ensure correct delivery, then delivery accuracy is improved, but the process becomes time-consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery accuracyVSAvoiddelivery time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates identification means that automatically detect and verify package information. This feedback mechanism ensures delivery accuracy by confirming the correct package is selected while eliminating manual searching and verification time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The holding frames are designed to present packages for automatic retrieval by the delivery system. Packages are positioned and identified automatically without requiring manual selection by the delivery person, reducing time while maintaining accuracy through systematic presentation of packages in delivery sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If a simple storage structure is used to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but packages cannot be securely positioned and are prone to mixing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage structure complexityVSAvoidpackage positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The storage structure uses multiple simple holding frames divided into holding bays, avoiding complex mechanisms while achieving secure positioning through modular segmentation. Each bay is a simple compartment that collectively provides robust package management when combined with other bays and frames.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4454944A1Parcel storage system for delivery
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 RENAULT SA
  • EP4454944A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4454944A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4454944A1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a parcel storage system (1) for packages (100) comprising an outer casing and a storage structure placed within said casing, characterized in that said storage structure comprises: - at least one rectangular support frame (8, 9, 10) delimited by four segments, and n-1 square and flat tiles (16) placed within said support frame (8, 9, 10) in the same plane, assuming that the total surface area of ​​said support frame (8, 9, 10) is completely covered by n tiles, each tile (16) being movable within the support frame (8, 9, 10) and intended to support a package (100), and - means for moving the tiles (16) within the support frame (8, 9, 10), allowing a selected tile (16) to be moved according to the sliding puzzle principle, to a common final location within said support frame (8, 9, 10).