Receptacle for detecting delivery and retrieval events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack efficient methods for confirming delivery and pick-up events of items, particularly in transportation and communication, as they do not effectively utilize sensors and communication devices to notify senders and recipients about item status changes.
Innovation Solution
An item receptacle equipped with a door sensor, processor, and communication device that detects door and item state changes, transmitting signals to a central hub for delivery or pick-up confirmation, along with an item sensor using an emitter and detector to identify item presence and a scanner for reading computer-readable codes, facilitating notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional delivery confirmation methods are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but delivery and pick-up event detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (door state detection, item presence detection via beam emitter/detector, and code scanning) into a single integrated receptacle system. The processor coordinates all sensors and communication devices within one unit, enabling accurate delivery event detection without requiring separate distributed systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle system performs multiple functions: it detects door opening/closing events, monitors item presence using optical beams, scans item codes for identification, and communicates with central hubs. This multi-functional design improves detection accuracy while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate specialized devices.
2Loss of information
If real-time notification systems are implemented, then information availability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic beam emission from the optical emitter to detect item presence, rather than continuous operation. The door sensor activates communication functions only when door state changes occur. This periodic activation pattern ensures real-time notification capability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring and transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the processor receives signals from sensors (door sensor, item sensor, scanner) and only initiates communication transmissions when actual state changes are detected. This event-driven feedback approach ensures information is available when needed while avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure from continuous communication attempts.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are integrated in the receptacle, then event detection reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the receptacle system into distinct functional modules: door sensor assembly, optical emitter-detector pair for item presence detection, scanner module for code reading, and communication device. Each module can be manufactured and tested independently, then integrated into the final receptacle assembly. This segmentation improves detection reliability through multiple sensors while managing manufacturing complexity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that coordinates all sensors and communication functions. It receives signals from the door sensor, item sensor, and scanner, processes this information to determine delivery event status, and manages communication with external hubs. This centralized mediation simplifies the integration of multiple sensors by providing a single coordination point, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing manufacturing 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
Enables real-time notifications to senders and recipients about delivery and pick-up events, improving tracking and confirmation processes through integrated sensors and communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a door sensor configured to detect when the door is opened
Implementation Method 2
an item sensor disposed within the internal volume, the item sensor comprising an emitter adapted to emit a beam and a detector to detect the beam
Implementation Method 3
the scanner configured to read a computer readable code on an item within the internal volume
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle for detecting delivery and retrieval events has a door sensor, an item sensor, a scanner, and a control unit for operating the sensors, and transmitting the sensor information for processing and analysis. A system can determine whether an event was a delivery or retrieval event based on sensor information and item tracking information. A system can further include an item configured to interact with a computing device.