System and Method for Enabling Unattended Package Delivery to Multi-dwelling Properties
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
E-commerce delivery agents face challenges in delivering packages to multi-dwelling properties like apartments or gated communities, as they often cannot pass beyond common barriers due to security measures, leading to unsecured package placement and potential theft or damage.
Innovation Solution
An access control device installed at multi-dwelling properties allows delivery agents to temporarily unlock barriers using a network-connected system, verified by a server communicating with a client application, enabling secure package delivery inside the property.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If delivery agents leave packages outside the gate or barrier of multi-dwelling properties, then delivery can be made without requiring access control, but the packages are left in unsecure locations subject to theft and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an access control system as an intermediary between the delivery agent and the package. The system includes a controller that manages electronic locks or barriers, allowing the delivery agent to temporarily gain access to the multi-dwelling property without requiring physical keys or manual authorization. This intermediary system resolves the contradiction by enabling secure access (improving reliability) while maintaining automated delivery operations (preserving ease of operation).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical access control methods (physical keys, manual door opening) with an electronic control system. The controller communicates with electronic locks or barriers through electrical signals, substituting the mechanical key-lock system with an automated electronic authentication and actuation system. This substitution improves package security while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Reliability
If delivery agents are granted access to multi-dwelling properties through access control systems, then packages can be delivered securely inside the property, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the access control system to serve multiple functions: it controls access for delivery agents, manages package delivery locations, and potentially tracks delivery status. The controller can interface with various types of access mechanisms (electronic locks, barriers, gates) and can be integrated with existing property management systems. This multi-functionality justifies the system complexity by providing comprehensive security and operational benefits beyond simple door unlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for flexible configuration of access parameters such as authorization time windows, delivery location selection, and authentication methods. These parameters can be adjusted based on specific property requirements and delivery scenarios, enabling the system to adapt to different complexity levels while maintaining core security functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional package delivery methods are used at multi-dwelling properties, then no additional infrastructure is required, but packages are exposed to theft and environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authorization and access control before package delivery occurs. The system pre-establishes delivery windows, authorized locations, and authentication protocols before the actual delivery event. This preliminary setup ensures that packages are always delivered to secure, pre-approved locations within the multi-dwelling property, preventing exposure to theft and environmental damage while maintaining relatively simple deployment through configuration-based setup.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a method is provided including receiving, at a server computer, a communication that indicates controllability of an access control device by a client application associated with an e-commerce service. The access control device associated with a property and configured to selectively allow access to the property relative to interaction with the client application. The method further includes determining that the property is constituted by dwellings beyond the access control device and identifying, based on a reconciliation of addresses of the dwellings with information of user accounts of an e-commerce service, at least one of the dwellings associated with the e-commerce service. The method further includes causing relative to the reconciliation an update to at least one of the user accounts associated with the at least one of the dwellings, the update opting-in the at least one of the user accounts to a feature of the e-commerce service.