Smart Lock Delivery Access Using Geofenced Carrier Verification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of item deliveries is accompanied by issues such as missed deliveries, re-scheduling, signature requirements, and theft, which current delivery systems struggle to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a server, a locking device, and a mobile delivery device that uses geolocation and access codes to securely deliver items to smart homes or businesses, ensuring authorized access and secure delivery without requiring a recipient to be present.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional delivery methods are used, then delivery simplicity is maintained, but delivery security and reliability deteriorate due to increased theft and missed deliveries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery completion reliabilityVSAvoiddelivery system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a smart lock as an intermediary device between the delivery carrier and the recipient. The smart lock mediates the delivery process by controlling access to the delivery location, verifying carrier identity through access codes, and enabling secure item transfer without requiring the recipient to be present. This intermediary solution improves delivery reliability while managing system complexity through automated verification protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical delivery methods (requiring physical presence, hand-to-hand transfer, and manual signature verification) with an automated electronic system. The smart lock uses electronic access codes, geofencing technology, and automated verification to substitute for manual delivery processes, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If access codes are provided to carriers, then delivery access is enabled, but security risks increase due to potential code theft or misuse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrier access easeVSAvoidsecurity threats to access codes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification actions before providing access codes to carriers. Geofencing technology verifies that the carrier is physically located at the correct delivery address before the access code is activated. This preliminary location verification ensures that even if access codes are intercepted or stolen, they cannot be misused by unauthorized persons located elsewhere.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The access codes are made dynamic rather than static. The system generates time-limited, single-use or limited-use codes that are activated only when the carrier presents valid identification and location verification. This dynamic code generation reduces security risks associated with code theft, as stolen static codes would be useless without the proper verification context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If recipients must be present for delivery, then delivery security is improved, but delivery time and productivity deteriorate due to waiting and rescheduling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery speedVSAvoiddelivery security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The smart lock enables self-service delivery where the system automatically verifies carrier identity and provides access without requiring the recipient to be physically present. The carrier independently completes the delivery process by presenting identification, receiving verification, and gaining access through the smart lock, eliminating the need for recipient presence while maintaining security through automated verification protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If geofencing and location verification are implemented, then delivery security is improved, but system complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery verification reliabilityVSAvoidmobile device energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements location verification selectively rather than continuously. Geofencing is activated only when the carrier approaches the delivery location, and location verification is performed only at critical moments such as when accessing the smart lock. This partial application of location verification reduces energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring, while still providing reliable security verification when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12525082B2Systems and methods for item delivery integration with a smart home

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 US POSTAL SERVICE

AI summary

Systems and methods to deliver items to smart receptacles or locations secured by smart locks. A distribution network can provide access codes or credentials to access smart locks. Access codes or credentials can be provided when a mobile delivery device is determined to be within a geofence of the delivery point and/or when the mobile delivery device meets specified security criteria.