Collapsible Building-Mounted Package Receiver for Secure UAV Delivery
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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 for authentication and notification, and can securely store packages until retrieval by the intended recipient.
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 deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secure storage facility as an intermediary between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the recipient. The vehicle drops packages at the facility rather than directly at the recipient's location, and the recipient retrieves them later. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by enabling fast aerial delivery while protecting packages from theft through controlled access and monitoring.
2Ease of operation
If unmanned aerial vehicles come close to the ground for delivery, then ease of retrieval is improved, but safety deteriorates due to potential crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The secure storage facility serves as an intermediary structure that the unmanned aerial vehicle can safely interact with from a distance. The vehicle hovers or lands at the facility's designated area rather than approaching the recipient's ground level, transferring packages to the facility's storage system. This eliminates crash risks to people and property while maintaining delivery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service package retrieval where recipients can access their packages from the secure storage facility at their convenience through electronic authorization. This automated retrieval process improves ease of operation without requiring the unmanned aerial vehicle to be present or to come close to ground level.
3Reliability
If a fixed package receiving structure is installed, then reliability of package reception is improved, but adaptability to different package sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The secure storage facility incorporates dynamic, adjustable storage compartments that can be reconfigured to accommodate different package sizes and types. The structure maintains fixed installation for reliability but uses movable shelves, adjustable barriers, and flexible storage bins to adapt to varying delivery requirements, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and size versatility.
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.