Smart Delivery Bin Wireless Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
E-commerce has created a need for secure systems to schedule and track deliveries to unoccupied sites, as traditional delivery methods often result in goods being left unsecured, leading to theft or damage.
Innovation Solution
A system of 'smart' interlocking locked storage appliances connected via wireless protocols, allowing secure access only during scheduled delivery times using identifiers like electronic keys or biometrics, and integrated with a scheduler for managing deliveries and inventory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If goods are left unsecured at the delivery site when the purchaser is unavailable, then delivery can be made without rescheduling, but the goods become subject to theft or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the delivery process by introducing a separate secure storage component (smart bin) that is spatially separated from the delivery vehicle but functionally integrated through wireless communication. This allows the goods to be delivered to a secure location rather than requiring hand-to-hand transfer, resolving the contradiction between delivery efficiency and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart bin acts as an intermediary between the delivery agent and the purchaser. It receives goods from the delivery agent, secures them, and makes them available for pickup by the purchaser. This intermediary eliminates the need for the purchaser to be present during delivery while maintaining security through controlled access via unique identifiers.
2Reliability
If a locked storage appliance is used for secure delivery, then goods are protected from theft or damage, but the system requires complex access control and scheduling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The smart bin system enables self-service delivery where the delivery agent autonomously delivers goods to the bin using a unique identifier without requiring manual locking or complex authentication. The bin automatically secures the goods and notifies the purchaser, eliminating the need for human intervention in the security process and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical key-based locking mechanisms with electronic access control using unique identifiers transmitted wirelessly. This substitution simplifies the access control system while maintaining or enhancing security, as the electronic system can automatically verify identifiers and control access without requiring physical key management.
3Productivity
If multiple deliveries are made to the same site, then the scheduler can optimize delivery routes and times, but coordinating access to a single locked storage appliance becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-scheduling multiple deliveries to the same smart bin location. The scheduler can plan delivery routes and times in advance, and the bin is pre-configured to accept multiple deliveries with different unique identifiers. This eliminates the need for complex real-time coordination during delivery execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart bin serves multiple functions: it acts as a secure storage unit, an access control point, a notification system, and a multi-delivery receptacle. This multi-functionality allows the same bin to handle multiple deliveries without requiring separate access control mechanisms for each delivery, simplifying the scheduling coordination while maintaining productivity benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved method and system for the delivery of items to at least one of a plurality of locked storage appliances comprising determining the availability of a locked storage appliance to receive the delivery at one or more times, identifying a time during which the delivery can be made, sending to the identified locked storage appliance an access signal allowing a delivery agent access to the locked storage appliance during the time interval for delivery, the improvement wherein at least one of the plurality of storage appliances is a smart appliance.