Systems and methods for receiving packages delivered by unmanned vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Delivering packages using unmanned aerial vehicles poses challenges such as potential crashes due to proximity to people or objects and susceptibility to theft when dropped outside, necessitating systems that allow secure storage and retrieval of packages without unmanned vehicles coming close to the ground.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible package receiver system adapted to be movably coupled to a building, which can be raised to receive packages from unmanned aerial vehicles, featuring sensors and communication capabilities to authenticate the vehicle and notify users, and can securely store packages until retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If packages are dropped outside by unmanned aerial vehicles, then delivery speed is improved, but security against theft and accidents deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A remote package receiving station acts as an intermediary between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the final recipient. The vehicle drops packages at the remote station (maintaining speed), and the station securely stores them until authorized retrieval (ensuring security). This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by separating the delivery and retrieval functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system is segmented into distinct functional components: the unmanned aerial vehicle performs aerial delivery to a remote station, and the station handles secure storage and authorized retrieval. This segmentation allows the vehicle to maintain high-speed delivery while the station provides secure package management, resolving the security-speed contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If unmanned aerial vehicles come close to the ground for delivery, then ease of retrieval is improved, but safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote package receiving station serves as an intermediary structure positioned away from populated areas. Packages are delivered to this elevated remote station by UAVs, eliminating the need for vehicles to hover near ground level where people are present (reducing accident risk). The station then facilitates easy retrieval through controlled access mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from ground-level package placement to elevated aerial delivery at the remote station. By delivering packages to an elevated position on the remote station rather than placing them on the ground, the system reduces accident risk while maintaining retrieval ease through controlled access points.
3Reliability
If a fixed package receiving structure is used, then reliability of delivery is improved, but adaptability to different package sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The package receiving station incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow it to dynamically adapt to different package sizes and delivery scenarios. The structure can modify its configuration to accommodate various package dimensions while maintaining reliable delivery operations through consistent operational protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote package receiving station is designed as a universal structure capable of receiving and storing multiple types of packages with varying sizes. It provides multi-functional capabilities including aerial reception, secure storage, and authorized retrieval, making it adaptable to different delivery requirements while maintaining reliable operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for receiving a package delivered by an unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a collapsible package receiver adapted to be movably coupled to a building. The collapsible package receiver is configured to be placed from a collapsed position to a pop-out position to receive the package from the unmanned aerial vehicle. The apparatus has a memory associated with the package receiver which stores computer-readable instructions. A processor is configured to execute the instructions to: (a) determine a characteristic of the package delivered by the unmanned aerial vehicle to the package receiver; and (b) notify a user of the delivery of the package.