Storage and handler system and associated methods
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package delivery systems are inconvenient and unreliable, leading to theft and damage of packages, and there is a need for a more efficient and secure delivery solution. Additionally, there is a demand for convenient and healthy meal preparation options that can compete with fast food in terms of time efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A storage and handling system comprising performance members, locomotion members, articulation members, and sensor units, which can store, prepare, and handle goods, including heating, preparation, and cleaning functions, controlled by a control unit and user interface, and a package delivery system with a movable door access panel and delivery handling device for secure package reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If packages are delivered to a doorstep or location outside a residence, then delivery speed and convenience are improved, but packages are exposed to theft and damage from weather
Solution Approach 1:
A package door with a movable panel serves as an intermediary structure between the exterior delivery location and the interior secure storage space. The panel can be independently opened to allow package insertion while maintaining the security of the main door, creating a protected transition zone that eliminates exposure to theft and weather while preserving fast delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The door system is segmented into a main door and a separate movable package door panel. This segmentation allows the package delivery function to be separated from the main security function, enabling packages to be received and stored securely without requiring the main door to be opened, thus preventing theft while maintaining delivery convenience
2Reliability
If a signature requirement is implemented for valuable packages, then security against theft is improved, but delivery complexity and time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The package door system enables self-service package reception where the recipient can independently open the movable panel and retrieve packages without requiring the deliverer's presence or a signature. The system provides security through physical access control while eliminating the complexity of signature requirements and coordinate scheduling
3Loss of time
If pre-packaged and processed foods are used instead of home-cooked meals, then time for meal preparation is reduced, but nutritional quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Ingredients are pre-prepared, pre-chopped, pre-measured, and pre-portioned before being stored in the automated culinary system. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time-consuming tasks of shopping, chopping, and measuring during mealtime, while the ingredients remain fresh and unprocessed, preserving their nutritional quality when cooked on demand
Solution Approach 2:
The automated culinary system replaces manual meal preparation mechanics with an automated robotic system that handles ingredient retrieval, preparation, cooking, and plating. This substitution eliminates the time burden of manual preparation while maintaining ingredient quality by only processing foods when needed, avoiding the need for long-term storage of processed foods
Data Source
AI summary
A storage and handler system is provided. The system comprising performance members, a locomotion member, one or more of an articulation member, and one or more of a sensor unit. At least one of the performance members includes a control unit. The locomotion member is carried by one or more of the performance members. The control unit stores a library of performance options that are selectable to define at least one selected performance option. The performance members are operable to perform and are associated with at least one task. The control unit is operable to selectively control the locomotion member, the articulation member(s), and the performance members based on one or more selected performance option(s) to create at least one finished good.