Smart Locker Adjustable Shelf Boards for Parcel Storage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional electronic storage cabinets with fixed locker compartments are inefficient in utilizing space for parcels of varying sizes and shapes, leading to wasted space when either large or small parcels are stored, as they do not allow for flexible compartment adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A smart locker system with sliding rails and adjustable shelf boards that can be pushed into place to create larger compartments as needed, using limiting components and grooves to secure the shelves and prevent theft, allowing for flexible compartment sizing and efficient use of space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed locker compartments are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the storage space cannot be efficiently utilized for parcels of varying sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage space utilizationVSAvoidlocker structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf boards are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be adjusted to different positions to create locker compartments of varying sizes. This dynamic structure enables the storage system to adapt to different parcel sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The storage space is divided into multiple modular sections with individual shelf boards that can be independently positioned. Each shelf board can be adjusted to create different compartment configurations, allowing flexible adaptation to various storage needs without requiring a completely different structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If large locker compartments are used for small parcels, then the structure is simple, but space is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompartment size adjustmentVSAvoidshelf adjustment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf boards can be moved between different positions to adjust compartment sizes according to the actual storage needs. This allows small parcels to be stored in appropriately sized compartments, eliminating wasted space while maintaining ease of operation through a straightforward adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If shelf boards are made adjustable, then storage efficiency is improved, but the risk of theft increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompartment configurationVSAvoidanti-theft security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf boards are designed to be movable during normal operation for configuration adjustment, but become fixed when locker doors are closed to prevent unauthorized removal. This dynamic security feature allows flexible compartment configuration while maintaining anti-theft protection during storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting components are pre-designed to automatically engage with the locker door structure, creating a preventive anti-theft mechanism. When the door is closed, the limiting components restrict the movement of shelf boards before any theft attempt can occur, providing preliminary protection against unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Reliability

If limiting components are added to prevent theft, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-theft securityVSAvoidshelf board structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting components are designed to work with the existing movable shelf board structure, providing security functionality without requiring a complete redesign. The components add minimal complexity while effectively preventing theft by restricting shelf board movement when doors are closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4456026A1Smart locker
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 SHOPEE IP SINGAPORE PTE LTD
  • EP4456026A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4456026A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4456026A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Provided is a smart locker, including a cabinet, a plurality of locker doors, and a plurality of shelf boards configured to vertically divide a storage space of the cabinet into one or more locker compartments. Each locker compartment corresponds to one or more locker doors of the plurality of locker doors. When a locker door of a locker compartment adjacent to a specific locker compartment in the one or more locker compartments is closed, a position of a corresponding shelf board that forms the adjacent locker compartment in the specific locker compartment is limited by the locker door corresponding to the adjacent locker compartment. [Brief Description of Reference Signs of Representative Drawing] 10 smart locker system 100 smart locker 110 cabinet 112 locker compartment 114 locker door 116 door lock device 118 adjustable foot 119 castor 120 communication unit 130 control unit 140 power supply module 200 electronic device 210 touch screen 250 order server