Tiered Chain-of-Custody Tracking for Last-Mile Package Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Package thefts occur at various points within the chain of custody, making it difficult to identify the exact point of theft, and existing systems lack effective tracking and management of package location from origin to destination.
Innovation Solution
A tiered structure system utilizing transmitters on vehicles, last mile transporters, and containers to create a chain of custody, enabling real-time tracking and record-keeping of package locations through communication networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tiered structure with transmitters on vehicles, transporters, and containers is implemented, then the ability to monitor and manage package locations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is segmented into three distinct tiers: vehicles at the hub, last-mile transporters for delivery, and containers for package housing. Each tier has its own transmitter and identification system, allowing granular tracking at each stage of the chain of custody while maintaining modular system architecture that manages complexity through division of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a hierarchical dimension to package tracking by organizing transmitters across three levels (vehicle tier, transporter tier, container tier). This dimensional structure allows comprehensive location monitoring without requiring a single complex centralized system, as each tier operates semi-independently and reports to the database.
2Reliability
If transmitters and communication systems are added to track packages, then the reliability of chain of custody is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the tracking functions into a unified chain of custody record in the database, where all transmitters (vehicle, transporter, container) report to a single centralized record. This consolidation allows energy-efficient communication protocols where devices can report periodically or event-driven rather than maintaining continuous high-power transmission, while still ensuring reliable chain of custody documentation.
3Loss of information
If detailed record-keeping of package ownership and location is implemented, then the ability to identify theft points is improved, but the loss of time for data management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically creating and updating chain of custody records at each transfer point (vehicle to transporter, transporter to destination) without requiring manual intervention. Transmitters automatically log location, time, and custody transfer information, so when theft occurs, the detailed records are already compiled and ready for immediate analysis, eliminating time-consuming manual data gathering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the database continuously receives updates from transmitters and can generate alerts when chain of custody is broken or unusual patterns are detected. This automated feedback loop reduces the time required to identify theft points by immediately highlighting discrepancies rather than requiring manual review of all tracking data.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses and methods for a tiered structure to manage a chain of custody for package delivery. More particularly, this disclosure describes a last mile transporter for package deliveries whereby package whereabouts are monitored through transmitters. In an illustrative embodiment, a vehicle, last mile transporter, and container each have a transmitter. The three transmitters may be used for tracking a package that is placed in the container. A chain of custody may be created when the at least one package is placed in the container. The container may be placed atop the last mile transporter. There is thus a relationship between the container and the transporter. In turn, the vehicle may also be in communication with the container and the transporter. Each device may be used to manage the package location through their appropriate transmitters.