Collapsible Mesh Parcel Basket for Theft Prevention and Space Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parcel delivery systems face challenges in accommodating packages of varying sizes and shapes, leading to bulky, expensive, and space-consuming rigid boxes that are not flexible or scalable, and lack effective theft prevention mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A scalable, flexible, and collapsible wire mesh basket receptacle with a locking mechanism that can be securely mounted on various surfaces, allowing for dynamic adjustment to fit different package sizes and shapes while preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid box type receptacles with predefined dimensions are used to hold parcels, then security and theft prevention are improved, but the device becomes bulky, heavy, and occupies great deal of space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static rigid box into a dynamic collapsible mesh basket that can expand to accommodate parcels and collapse to minimize space when empty. The mesh basket includes expandable sides with linkage mechanisms that allow it to dynamically adjust its volume based on parcel size, resolving the contradiction between providing secure containment and minimizing space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible shells and thin films by using a mesh basket construction instead of rigid walls. The mesh material provides flexibility while maintaining security, allowing the receptacle to collapse flat when not in use and expand when needed, thus reducing the space occupied while maintaining theft prevention capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger rigid boxes are designed to accommodate randomly sized parcels, then adaptability to different parcel sizes is improved, but the device becomes more expensive and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh basket utilizes dynamic expansion and collapse mechanisms with linkages that allow it to adapt its size to fit parcels of various dimensions. When a parcel is inserted, the basket expands to accommodate it; when empty, it collapses to a compact form, providing adaptability without requiring a permanently large structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible mesh basket can be nested or folded into a compact form when not in use, similar to nested dolls. This allows the receptacle to occupy minimal space when empty while maintaining the capability to expand to various sizes when parcels of different dimensions need to be stored.
3Volume of stationary object
If mesh basket receptacles are used to reduce space occupation, then space efficiency is improved, but theft prevention capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mesh basket constructed from flexible yet secure materials that maintain theft prevention capabilities while allowing the receptacle to collapse. The mesh structure provides visibility and ventilation while still forming a secure enclosure that prevents unauthorized access when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh basket is segmented into multiple sections with linkage mechanisms that allow controlled expansion and collapse. This segmentation enables the basket to maintain structural integrity for security purposes while being able to collapse into a compact form for space efficiency, as each segment can be individually controlled during the collapse process.
Data Source
AI summary
A parcel guard with expandable mesh basket receptacle is a safeguard mechanism for receiving and keeping packages comprising of a scalable, flexible, collapsible net basket made of wire mesh, metallic chain links, composite material or any combination of material suitable to create a shaped net basket and a means of locking mechanism to deter theft temptation. The flexible net basket of this apparatus allows parcels of various size, shape and weight to be placed inside the net basket and securely locked away as part of a theft prevention mechanism that prevents unauthorized removal of the parcels.