System and method for securely receiving and storing deliveries
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in securely storing delivered goods, particularly perishable items, while preventing theft and maintaining the required temperature, especially when deliveries are made to unattended locations, and ensuring compatibility with unmanned vehicle delivery systems.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-controlled storage unit with a heating/cooling mechanism, controlled access, and a control unit that adjusts temperature based on the delivery vehicle's arrival and the type of items, allowing secure and efficient storage and retrieval of packages, including integration with UAV delivery systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If expensive cooling devices are used to keep perishable items at the intended temperature, then the temperature control is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit pre-cools or pre-heats the interior space before the delivery arrives. The control unit receives notification of the incoming delivery and activates the heating/cooling mechanism in advance, so that the required temperature is already established when perishable items are placed in the storage unit, avoiding the need for continuous expensive cooling operation
Solution Approach 2:
The heating/cooling mechanism operates periodically rather than continuously. The control unit monitors the interior temperature and activates the mechanism only when temperature deviations are detected or when a delivery is expected, reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation of expensive cooling devices
2Temperature
If disposable coolers or cooling packs are used, then the temperature control is improved, but cost and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is self-sufficient with its own integrated heating/cooling mechanism and thermal insulation, eliminating the need for external disposable coolers or cooling packs. The unit autonomously maintains temperature without requiring single-use thermal management products
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using disposable cooling elements that are discarded after one use, the storage unit recovers and reuses its thermal management system indefinitely. The heating/cooling mechanism and insulation work together to maintain temperature across multiple delivery cycles without degradation or waste
3Temperature
If more expensive coolers that customers must return are used, then the temperature control is improved, but coordination and transportation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is permanently installed at the customer's location and autonomously maintains temperature without requiring customer action to return or exchange coolers. The unit independently manages its own thermal state throughout the delivery and retrieval process
Solution Approach 2:
The storage unit acts as an intermediary between the delivery vehicle and the customer's interior space. It receives deliveries from the vehicle and maintains appropriate temperature conditions without requiring direct customer involvement in cooler management or return logistics
4Reliability
If video home monitoring systems are used to prevent theft, then security is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit serves as a secure intermediary receptacle that receives deliveries without requiring the customer to be present or to install expensive monitoring systems. The controlled access and temperature management features provide security and protection inherently, eliminating the need for separate video surveillance infrastructure
5Ease of operation
If delivery people are allowed to enter residences to deliver packages, then delivery convenience is improved, but customer comfort and security decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is positioned at or near the property boundary to serve as an intermediary delivery point. The delivery vehicle can transfer packages to the storage unit without the delivery person needing to enter the customer's residence, maintaining security and comfort while enabling convenient delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The storage unit is pre-positioned and prepared at the delivery location before the delivery vehicle arrives. This eliminates the need for last-minute arrangements or customer presence during delivery, providing convenience without compromising security
6Productivity
If UAVs deliver packages to the intended delivery location, then delivery efficiency is improved, but safety concerns arise due to pets or children
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is positioned at the property boundary to serve as a safe intermediary zone for UAV deliveries. The UAV can transfer packages to the storage unit without entering the interior residential area where pets or children are present, maintaining delivery efficiency while eliminating safety risks
Solution Approach 2:
The storage unit creates a localized safe zone at the property boundary specifically for delivery operations. This localized approach allows UAV deliveries to occur efficiently at the boundary while the interior residential area remains protected from potential hazards
7Object-affected harmful factors
If UAVs deliver packages a certain distance away from the intended delivery location, then safety is improved, but delivery precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit positioned at the property boundary acts as a precise intermediary target for UAV deliveries. It provides a clearly defined, easily locatable destination that is safe for UAV operations while maintaining sufficient proximity to the final delivery location, eliminating the need for imprecise distant drops
Solution Approach 2:
The storage unit is pre-positioned at the optimal boundary location and equipped with identification features that enable precise UAV navigation. This preliminary setup allows the UAV to achieve accurate deliveries at the safe boundary point without requiring complex real-time adjustment or sacrificing precision
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 solution ensures the integrity of delivered goods by maintaining the required temperature and providing secure access, compatible with UAV delivery, reducing costs and waste, and enhancing security and convenience for both retailers and recipients.
Implementation Method 1
a heating/cooling mechanism configured to adjust a temperature in the interior storage space
Implementation Method 2
a heating/cooling mechanism configured to adjust a temperature in the interior storage space
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor configured to monitor the temperature in the interior storage space
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a storage unit are disclosed. A storage unit includes a container defining an interior storage space and an opening configured to provide access to the interior storage space, a door configured to open and close the opening, a heating/cooling mechanism configured to adjust a temperature in the interior storage space, a temperature sensor configured to monitor the temperature in the interior storage space. A control unit is configured to receive the temperature in the interior storage space, receive a required temperature of an item in the storage unit, receive a signal indicative of a distance of a delivery vehicle, and activate the heating/cooling mechanism based on the temperature, the required temperature, and the distance of the delivery vehicle. The heating/cooling mechanism is activated at a time configured to achieve the required temperature within the interior storage space when the delivery vehicle arrives at the storage unit.