Vehicle Delivery Authentication for Secure Lock Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Customers are hesitant to provide access to their vehicles for package delivery due to security concerns, as existing delivery systems lack robust authentication and secure access mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a connected vehicle with a locking system, camera, and network communication to authenticate deliveries through a customer mobile device, vehicle computer, and delivery server, employing QR codes and encryption to securely unlock the vehicle for delivery, ensuring only authorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If customers allow delivery drivers access to their vehicles for package delivery, then delivery convenience is improved, but vehicle security and customer privacy are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery convenienceVSAvoidvehicle security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication of the delivery driver and package before granting vehicle access. The customer receives notifications and approves delivery in advance, and the system verifies driver identity and package contents before the driver can access the vehicle, preventing unauthorized access while enabling convenient delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a digital intermediary layer between the customer and delivery driver. Instead of direct physical access, the system mediates through electronic authentication, notifications, and approval mechanisms that verify the driver's credentials and the package's legitimacy before allowing vehicle access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the vehicle locking system is unlocked for delivery, then delivery access is enabled, but vehicle security is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery accessVSAvoidvehicle security risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of the delivery driver's identity, authorization, and package contents before unlocking the vehicle. Authentication checks and customer approval are completed in advance, ensuring that the vehicle is only unlocked when the delivery is legitimate and authorized

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback to the customer about the delivery status, driver identity, and vehicle access requests. The customer receives notifications and can approve or deny delivery in real-time, creating a feedback loop that maintains security while enabling authorized deliveries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If package delivery is authorized without verification, then delivery speed is improved, but delivery security and accuracy are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery speedVSAvoiddelivery security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of package contents and delivery authorization before the delivery process begins. Package contents are checked against the order, driver identity is verified, and customer approval is obtained in advance, enabling fast delivery of only verified, authorized packages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11915185B2Systems and methods for delivery to a vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

The systems and methods disclosed herein are configured to securely deliver items to a vehicle. In particular, a delivery is authenticated before access is provided to the vehicle.