Collapsible Package Receptacle with Tethering and Theft Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package receptacles are often large, cumbersome, and can be stolen along with the packages they contain, failing to effectively secure both the packages and the receptacle itself, and lack features for easy transportation and theft notification.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible and foldable package receptacle with a gas-piston supported lid, automatic lock, GPS and wireless communication for theft notification, and a tethering system to secure the receptacle to a fixed structure, allowing for easy transportation and enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a package receptacle is made large and rigid to secure packages, then security against theft is improved, but ease of transportation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle body is divided into multiple panels that can be folded relative to each other, allowing the rigid structure to be collapsed into a compact form for transportation while maintaining its secure enclosed structure when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure through the use of hinges and spring-loaded pins, enabling it to adapt between an expanded secure state and a compact transport state
2Reliability
If a package receptacle is made secure with locks and tethers, then theft prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded retention pins automatically engage with recesses to lock panels in place during folding and unfolding, eliminating the need for manual locking mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The tethering mechanism is integrated directly into the receptacle structure through fixedly attached cable assemblies with retaining hooks, combining the security function with the existing structural elements rather than adding separate complex locking systems
3Ease of operation
If a package receptacle is made collapsible for easy transportation, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle employs spring-loaded retention pins that dynamically adjust to lock panels in both expanded and collapsed positions, providing structural stability in both states while enabling easy transformation between them
Solution Approach 2:
The body is segmented into panels connected by hinges, allowing controlled folding along specific axes while maintaining the integrity and stability of each individual panel and the overall structure when in either expanded or collapsed state
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
The solution effectively secures packages and the receptacle from theft, enables easy transportation, and provides real-time access and location notifications, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The lid may also comprise a plurality of gas-piston-powered hinges that allow the lid to remain in an open position while accessing the interior space of the container
Implementation Method 2
The body may also be locked in a folded or erect position via a plurality of spring-loaded retention pins to further improve the structural stability and transportation of the device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a new and improved package receptacle for receiving one or more delivered parcels or packages. The receptacle is comprised of a gas-piston supported lid, a cable that allows the receptacle to be secured to a structure, a lock that allows only authorized users to access the contents of the package receptacle and a plurality of anti-theft mechanisms. The package receptacle is easily collapsible for easy transportation between locations.