Collapsible Parcel Drop Box with Interlocking Slider Side Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible parcel and mail drop boxes face issues with complexity in folding/unfolding, misalignment of components, lack of scalability, and security risks due to small size and non-intuitive operation, leading to inefficiencies and compromised parcel safety.
Innovation Solution
A parcel and mail drop box design featuring sliding side walls with interlocking sliders and guiding grooves, a secure deposit door mechanism, and spring-loaded hinges for smooth expansion and collapse, allowing multiple parcel storage without obstruction, and ensuring secure access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If folding side walls are used to enable collapse, then the drop box can be collapsed to save space, but the folding mechanism becomes complex and time-consuming to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are divided into multiple telescopic sections that can slide independently within guiding grooves, allowing the drop box to collapse into a compact form while maintaining structural integrity and simplifying the collapse operation through individual section movement rather than complex folding mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls transition from a static rigid structure to a dynamic telescopic structure with movable sections that can extend and retract along guiding grooves, enabling smooth expansion and collapse operations without the complexity of traditional folding hinges and joints
2Quantity of substance
If the drop box is made larger to accommodate multiple parcels, then storage capacity increases, but the front cover becomes heavier and more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The front cover is divided into a fixed portion and a movable portion that can be independently operated. The movable portion contains the telescopic side walls and can be extended or retracted, allowing the drop box to accommodate multiple parcels while keeping the front cover weight manageable through selective deployment of storage space
Solution Approach 2:
The front cover incorporates movable sections that can be extended when needed for larger parcel capacity and retracted when not in use, transforming the static heavy cover into a dynamic structure that adjusts its weight and size based on operational requirements
3Reliability
If permanently installed drop boxes are used to ensure security, then parcel security is improved, but they occupy significant space and become obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The drop box transforms from a static permanently installed structure to a dynamic portable unit that can be easily deployed and removed. The telescopic side walls and movable front cover enable compact storage when not in use, eliminating space occupation issues while maintaining security through the locking mechanism and secure enclosure during active use
4Area of stationary object
If small collapsible containers are used to reduce space, then space occupation is reduced, but they lack sufficient space for segregating access to storage area
Solution Approach 1:
The storage area is segmented into a secure main compartment accessible only through the locked front cover and a separate deposit flap area for parcel insertion. This segmentation allows small collapsible containers to provide sufficient secure storage space while maintaining distinct access zones for different functions
Solution Approach 2:
The deposit flap serves multiple functions: it allows parcel insertion without opening the main secure area, provides ventilation, and can be used for identification markings. This multi-functionality enables small collapsible containers to achieve adequate secure storage capacity while maintaining compact dimensions
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention is a parcel and mail drop box comprising a mailbox inlet (3), a frame (1) and a front plate (14) attached to two drop box side walls. The parcel and mail drop box is expandible and collapsible. The front plate (14) comprises a deposit door (10) for one-way insertion of items into the drop box, and a retrieve door (13) allowing owners or other authorized individuals to open the drop box and remove the contents safely. The frame (1) comprises a frame backwall, a top base (30), a bottom base (37) and two frame sidewalls. The parcel and maildrop box further comprises a top cover (2) hingedly connected to the top base (30) and a bottom cover (7) hingedly connected to the bottom base (37). The drop box side walls form a flexible sheet made of plurality of connected vertical interlocking sliders (15) ended with guiding pins (27). Along the top base (30) and the bottom base (37) and on the left and right sides of the top cover (2) and the bottom cover (7) there are guiding grooves (28) for guiding the drop box side walls, engaging with drop box side walls guiding pins. In the collapsed condition of the parcel and mail drop box, the drop box side walls are hidden in the guiding grooves (28) along the top base (30) and along the bottom base (37), and the deposit door (10) and the retrieve door (13) are hidden under the top and bottom covers. The mailbox flap remains visible to receive post or small parcels. In the expanded condition of the parcel and mail drop box, the drop box side walls are expanded in the guiding grooves (28) in the left and right sides of the top cover (2) and of the bottom cover (7), and the deposit door (10) and the retrieve door (13) are exposed at the front of the parcel and mail drop box.