Receiving arrangement for receiving shipments, for use in openings in buildings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing receiving arrangements for building openings are either expensive, complex, or provide insufficient protection against unwanted access, especially in rural areas where parcel delivery security is a concern, and unmanned delivery vehicles require specific authorization.

Innovation Solution

A cost-effective receiving arrangement that integrates with existing building openings, featuring a drive device, control device with electronic authorization exchange capabilities, and sensors to secure the building space, allowing person-independent program reception while preventing unauthorized access, using Bluetooth, GSM, NFC, or RFID signals for authorization and incorporating safety features like contact strips and monitoring sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an external receiving arrangement is provided, then parcel delivery security is improved, but it does not fit into the environment and can be destroyed by vandalism and is expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparcel delivery securityVSAvoidintegration into building
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving arrangement is merged with the building opening structure itself. The housing arrangement integrates the receiving chamber, door element, and control systems into the existing building opening, eliminating the need for separate external structures while maintaining security functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The building opening is given multiple functions: it serves as both the original building feature (window, door, or access point) and as a secure receiving arrangement for parcels. The door element and sensor system enable the opening to function as both an architectural feature and a secure delivery point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If an integrated receiving arrangement is provided, then cost is reduced and integration is improved, but protection against unwanted entry is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration into buildingVSAvoidprotection against unwanted entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The door element acts as an intermediary barrier between the building interior and the receiving arrangement. When activated, it creates a secondary containment that prevents direct access to the building interior while allowing parcel delivery through the controlled opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Mechanical protection is enhanced by replacing simple physical barriers with an automated control system. The control device receives electronic authorization information and automatically activates the door element, replacing manual security measures with automated authentication and physical barrier deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a gate element is provided to close the building opening, then access control is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess controlVSAvoidframe arrangement structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The door element provides dynamic access control that adapts to different situations. It can remain retracted to allow normal building access, be partially extended to create a secure receiving zone, or fully extended to prevent access entirely. This dynamic behavior provides multiple security levels without requiring multiple fixed structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Extent of automation

If electronic authorization exchange is implemented, then person-independent reception is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperson-independent receptionVSAvoidcontrol device with sensors
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving arrangement enables self-service parcel delivery through automated authorization verification. The control device automatically exchanges electronic authorization information with the delivery service provider, automatically activates the door element when authorization is confirmed, and requires no manual intervention from building occupants while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables secure, cost-effective, and person-independent parcel delivery by locking the building opening after authorization, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring safe delivery without compromising the outside view or original building functionality.

Implementation Method 1

at least one first sensor element which interacts with the control device and is suitable for exchanging electronic authorization information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3826514B1Receiving arrangement for receiving shipments, for use in openings in buildings
Publication Date: 2023.01.04 FRABA
  • EP3826514B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3826514B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3826514B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a receiving arrangement for receiving shipments, for use in openings (4) in buildings, which openings allow access to a room (5) of the building, for example roof openings, cellar openings, garage openings, etc., comprising a housing assembly (10) which at least together with part of the room (5) of the building defines a housing chamber (18) and comprises at least one guide assembly (20), in which at least one door member (30) is movably mounted, comprising a drive device (32) for the door member (30) and comprising a control device (34) for controlling the drive device (32) and comprising at least one sensor member (36) which cooperates with the control device (34) and is suitable for exchanging electronic authorisation information such that in a first position of the door member (30) the opening (4) in the building is closed and in a second position of the door member (30) the opening (4) in the building is open and access to the room of the building is closed.