Smart Parcel Box with GPS, Virtual Cash on Delivery, and Quality Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing e-commerce delivery systems are inefficient, prone to errors, and lack trust, with manual address input leading to incorrect deliveries, wasted time, and environmental impact due to courier waits, and there is a need for improved payment assurance and quality control in parcel delivery.
Innovation Solution
A smart parcel box system with contactless pickup and delivery, virtual cash on delivery, and a quality check system using temperature and weight measurements, along with adjustable design for user convenience, and integration with e-commerce checkouts to reduce errors and enhance trust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual address input is used for delivery, then consumers can provide delivery information, but errors occur leading to wrong addresses, longer routes, and interrupted deliveries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical address input with an automated system using GPS coordinates and unique parcel box identifiers. The system automatically determines delivery location based on the parcel box's GPS coordinates rather than relying on manual typing of street addresses, eliminating human error in address input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical parcel box location through GPS coordinates and unique identifiers. Instead of manually writing down physical address details, the system uses a digital representation (unique number associated with GPS coordinates) that can be automatically processed and transmitted without human error.
2Reliability
If couriers wait for recipients to attend delivery, then cash on delivery payment can be exchanged, but delivery time increases and CO2 emissions increase due to idle car engines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service payment system where the recipient's mobile device automatically completes the cash on delivery payment transaction when the courier arrives. The system uses pre-registered payment information and automatic verification to eliminate the need for physical cash exchange and courier waiting, allowing the courier to complete delivery immediately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs payment arrangement in advance by registering the recipient's payment information and setting up automatic verification protocols before the courier arrives. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site payment negotiations and cash exchanges during the delivery process.
3Loss of time
If secure parcel boxes are used for unattended deliveries, then contact between couriers and customers is reduced, but communication is still required to unlock the parcel box
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual communication-based unlocking with an automated electronic system. The parcel box is unlocked automatically through electronic verification of the courier's credentials and the recipient's pre-authorized access codes, eliminating the need for phone calls or text message exchanges to coordinate unlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile application as an intermediary between the courier and the parcel box locking mechanism. The app handles all communication and verification processes automatically, allowing the courier to unlock the box by presenting credentials through the app without direct human-to-human communication.
4Device complexity
If quality check of delivered packages is not implemented, then delivery process is simpler, but tampering and rough handling cannot be monitored or evaluated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual inspection with objective automated sensing systems. Weight sensors, temperature sensors, and shock detectors automatically monitor package conditions during transit and upon delivery, providing quantifiable data about package integrity without requiring manual examination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring of package conditions through embedded sensors that track weight changes, temperature fluctuations, and shock events throughout the delivery process. This real-time feedback system alerts authorities to potential tampering or rough handling immediately when abnormal conditions are detected.
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 parcel box system optimizes delivery efficiency, reduces errors, ensures uninterrupted delivery, and provides secure payment assurance, enhancing user satisfaction and operational effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a weight measuring means to measure the weight of the parcel
Implementation Method 2
a temperature measuring means to measure the temperature of the parcel
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for achieving automated deliveries, parcel evaluation, employing a payment procedure on delivery and an advanced checkout system. An adjustable smart parcel box (PB) configured to drive upwards or downwards on a solid structure, comprises a unique identifying number (UID) to associate the PB with an address and additional data, such that users may place orders using the UID alone as the delivery information. The smart PB is employed with geofencing technology and comprises a storage compartment with a locking mechanism, a GPS locator sending GPS coordinates in real-time, communication module(s) communicating with other parcel box(es) independently and remote device(s), an access unit including a weatherproof shutter door and a scanner, virtual cash on delivery module including a QR payment method, light indicator, laser indicator and Product Quality Check system using smart algorithms, artificial intelligence, and sensory data.