Smart Delivery Container With Local Cooling and Secure Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shipping and tracking of items face challenges such as incorrect delivery, tampering, and inefficient temperature control, particularly for sensitive goods, with current methods like cooling entire vans or using dry ice being inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A smart transportation container with heating/cooling capabilities, security features, GPS tracking, and inductive charging, which can be programmed with customer data and communicate with autonomous vehicles to ensure proper delivery and temperature control, while providing real-time tracking and reducing resource waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the entire loading van is cooled or dry ice is used in an insulated box for temperature control, then sensitive items requiring precise temperature control can be transported, but resource waste increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading van is divided into separate modular containers, each with independent temperature control capabilities. This allows only the specific container holding temperature-sensitive items to be cooled, rather than cooling the entire van, thereby reducing energy consumption and resource waste while maintaining precise temperature control for sensitive goods.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature control is applied locally to specific containers rather than uniformly across the entire loading van. Each container can be equipped with its own heating/cooling elements, enabling precise temperature regulation only where needed, thus eliminating the waste of cooling empty space or non-sensitive items.
2Reliability
If traditional shipping containers are used without tracking systems, then device complexity is reduced, but shipment security and tracking capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates multiple functions within a single integrated system: GPS tracking for location monitoring, RFID tags for identification and authentication, sensors for temperature and shock detection, and communication modules for real-time data transmission. This multi-functional approach enhances shipment security and tracking capability while avoiding the need for separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The container system automatically performs monitoring, tracking, and alerting functions without requiring external intervention. Sensors continuously monitor conditions and automatically transmit data via GPS and communication modules, providing self-service security and tracking that enhances reliability while keeping the system manageable.
3Productivity
If manual shipping and tracking methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and delivery accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The smart container incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms through GPS tracking, RFID identification, and various sensors that monitor temperature, shock, and location. This real-time data is transmitted to stakeholders, enabling proactive management of shipments, accurate tracking, and immediate response to any issues, thereby significantly improving delivery efficiency and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual tracking and monitoring methods are replaced with automated electronic systems including GPS satellite-based tracking, RFID wireless communication for identification, and digital sensors for environmental monitoring. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with electronic automation dramatically improves productivity and delivery accuracy despite increased device complexity.
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
The smart container enhances shipment security, reduces resource waste, optimizes logistics, and provides cost-effective climate control, ensuring precise delivery and tracking of goods through its integrated communication and energy management systems.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive charging module that may be charged via an external charging source and may power the smart container
Data Source
AI summary
A smart container for transporting items in transportation vehicles, e.g., an autonomous vehicle (AV), having heating/cooling capabilities, security features, unloading/loading assistance, and/or GPS cellular tracking for positional awareness, and methods of use thereof, are provided. The smart container includes an inductive charging module for receiving power from the vehicle. The container may provide information to facilitate delivery. When the vehicle arrives at a delivery destination, the customer may be provided a map of containers within the vehicle, and a specific container may provide an indication that it is the correct container. The customer may then provide a code to access the container. If a container is improperly removed, an alarm may be triggered and a notification may be provided to a third party.