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EP-4742127-A1 - AUTOMATED DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR BUILDINGS AND OPERATING METHOD

EP4742127A1EP 4742127 A1EP4742127 A1EP 4742127A1EP-4742127-A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dynamic parcel conservation and distribution system (1) for buildings (E), comprising a distribution assembly (2), comprising a supporting frame (21), intended to be installed on a building (E), one or more boxes (22), each one having a selectively openable door (23), and moving means (24) for moving said box (22) along said supporting frame (21); and control means (3), comprising a central control unit (31), and a peripheral unit (32) operatively connected to said central control unit (31) and to said moving means (24), for moving said boxes (22) to correspond to positions in said building (E) for loading and unloading of said box (22); The present invention also relates to an operating method of the storage and distribution system (1).

Inventors

  • FRIGERIO, Cesare
  • FATTORI, Francesco

Assignees

  • Magistra S.r.l.

Dates

Publication Date
20260513
Application Date
20251007

Claims (17)

  1. A dynamic parcel conservation and distribution system (1) for buildings (E), comprising: a distribution assembly (2), comprising a supporting frame (21), intended to be installed on a building (E), one or more boxes (22), each one having a selectively openable door (23), and moving means (24) for moving said box (22) along said supporting frame (21); and control means (3), comprising a central control unit (31), and a peripheral unit (32) operatively connected to said central control unit (31) and to said moving means (24), for moving said boxes (22) to correspond to positions in said building (E) for loading and unloading of said box (22); wherein said central control unit (3) is configured to control said peripheral unit (32) such that: - said peripheral unit (32) actuates said moving means (24) to position said box (22) at a loading position of said box (22); - said peripheral unit (32) actuates the opening of said door (23) for the insertion of at least one item into said box (22); - said peripheral unit (32) actuates said moving means (24) to position said box (22) at an unloading position in said building (E); and - said peripheral unit (32) actuates the opening of said door (23) for the removal of the contents.
  2. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said supporting frame (21) comprises aluminum elements (211, 212) that are interlockable to form a framework.
  3. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said central control unit (31) comprises a programmable microprocessor (311), and storage means (312) for storing a program executed by said microprocessor (311).
  4. The system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said central control unit (31) comprises retransmission means (313), preferably of cellular and/or Wi-Fi type, and in that it comprises a plurality of mobile devices (41, 42, 43), such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and the like, programmed to connect with said retransmission means (313) of said central control unit (31), wherein said central control unit (31) is configured to receive from one of said mobile devices (41, 42, 43) a coded signal for controlling the loading and unloading positions of said box (22) and the opening of said door (23) at said loading and unloading positions.
  5. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said distribution assembly (2) comprises a column (26), and an elevator (25), movable in sliding motion on said column (26) along a sliding direction (Z), wherein said box (22) is arranged on said elevator (25).
  6. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said supporting frame (21) comprises one or more vertically arranged and adjacent lanes (214), and one or more drawers (213), arranged in said lanes (214), wherein said elevator (25) is capable of positioning said box (22) on one of said drawers (213).
  7. System (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said elevator (25) comprises: a loading-unloading tray (261); a first sliding guide (262), on which said loading-unloading tray (261) is arranged, wherein said loading-unloading tray (261) is movable in a direction (X) for positioning said box (22) in one of said drawers (213), and a second sliding guide (263) for the movement on which said loading-unloading tray (261) is arranged, wherein said loading-unloading tray (261) is movable in a direction (Y) for positioning said box (22) corresponding to one of said lanes (214).
  8. The system (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that said drawers (213) are positioned corresponding to openings or mouths of said building (E).
  9. Method (100) for the automated management of a dynamic conservation and distribution system (1) for buildings (E) of parcels according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: receiving (110) an activation command from a mobile device (41, 42, 43) via said central control unit (31); activating (120) said moving means (24) form moving a box (22) in response to the received command, to move said box (22) towards a predetermined loading or unloading position; and selectively opening (130) the door (23) of the box (22) to allow the insertion or extraction of a parcel.
  10. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, when dependent on any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that said activation step (120) comprises the sub-step of positioning (121) the box (22) in a drawer (213) and/or aligning it with an opening of the building (E).
  11. Method (100) according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that said activation step (120) comprises the sub-step of: selecting (122) a box (22) of appropriate dimensions based on information about the size of the parcel received.
  12. Method (100) according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that said request or activation signal comprises information about the size of the parcel to be managed.
  13. Method (100) according to any one of claims 9-12, characterized by comprising the step of recording (140) the operation performed in a historical archive.
  14. Method (100) according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized by comprising the step of notifying (150) the user, via the mobile device (41, 42, 43), of the status of the loading or unloading operation.
  15. Method (100) according to any one of claims 9-14, characterized in that the activation step (120) comprises the following sub-steps: moving (123) said elevator (25) in a vertical direction (Z); and moving (124) a loading-unloading tray along a first sliding guide in direction (X) and a second sliding guide in direction (Y), perpendicular to said first sliding guide in direction (X).
  16. Method (100) according to any one of claims 9-15, characterized by further comprising the steps of: optimizing (160) the storage position of the parcel within the system (1) based on an algorithm that considers the frequency of access and the sizes of the parcels.
  17. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said optimization of the storage position is performed during periods of low activity of the system (1).

Description

The present invention relates to an automated distribution system for buildings and operating method. Field of invention More specifically, the invention concerns a system and method for the distribution and storage of goods and parcels, designed and realized in particular for ordering, transmitting, and storing packages and goods in buildings, but which can be used for any case in which it is necessary to place orders and manage them in specific buildings. The following description will focus on the management of parcel distribution and storage of goods in buildings, but it is clear that it should not be considered limited to this specific use. Prior art In recent years, the e-commerce industry has seen significant growth, leading to increased demand for efficient parcel delivery systems. Traditional delivery methods often face challenges when recipients are not available to receive parcels at their homes or offices. These circumstances have created the need for innovative delivery management solutions, especially in densely populated urban areas. Automated delivery systems for buildings have emerged as a potential solution to these challenges. These systems can offer several benefits, including greater convenience for recipients, fewer failed delivery attempts, and increased parcel security. Additionally, they can help reduce traffic and emissions associated with repeated deliveries. Integrating these systems into existing and new buildings may require architectural and logistical considerations. At the same time, the reduction in square footage of newly constructed apartments has created a growing need for additional, secure, and easily accessible storage solutions within the buildings themselves. Aspects such as accessibility, storage capacity, and user interface are important factors in the design of these systems. Furthermore, evolving technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence can offer new opportunities to improve the efficiency and functionality of these automated delivery systems. As cities become increasingly smarter and more connected, automated delivery systems for buildings can play a significant role in improving urban logistics and the quality of life of residents. Continued research and development in this field can lead to even more advanced and efficient solutions to address the challenges of parcel delivery in the modern urban context. Purpose of the invention In light of the above, it is therefore the purpose of the present invention to provide an automated distribution system for buildings of any type, residential, commercial (e.g., large-scale retail trade, etc.), that optimizes storage space and improves delivery efficiency. Another aim of the invention is to offer a flexible and customizable solution that can adapt to different building configurations and user needs. The present invention also aims to increase the security and traceability of parcels, reducing the risk of theft or damage. A further aim of the present invention is to improve the accessibility of parcels for users, allowing collection at any time without the need to be present during delivery. It is also the purpose of this invention to store users' goods, increasing safety, allowing collection and storage at any time, like a personal warehouse. Another aim of the invention is to reduce traffic and emissions associated with repeated deliveries, thus contributing to environmental sustainability. Object of the invention It is specific object of the present invention a dynamic parcel conservation and distribution system for buildings, comprising: a distribution assembly, comprising a supporting frame, intended to be installed on a building, one or more boxes, each one having a selectively openable door, and moving means for moving said box along said supporting frame; and control means, comprising a central control unit, and a peripheral unit operatively connected to said central control unit and to said moving means, for moving said boxes to correspond to positions in said building for loading and unloading of said box; wherein said central control unit is configured to control said peripheral unit such that: said peripheral unit actuates said moving means to position said box at a loading position of said box; said peripheral unit actuates the opening of said door for the insertion of at least one item into said box; said peripheral unit actuates said moving means to position said box at an unloading position in said building; and said peripheral unit actuates the opening of said door for the removal of the contents. Always according to the invention, said supporting frame may comprise aluminum elements that are interlockable to form a framework. Still according to the invention, said central control unit may comprise a programmable microprocessor, and storage means for storing a program executed by said microprocessor. Advantageously according to the invention, said central control u