Collapsible security container for packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for securing packages against theft, such as computer-controlled locker stations and in-door lock boxes, lack convenience, privacy, and security, failing to effectively address the 'porch pirate' problem of package theft from homes.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible security container with a hinged-lid, locking mechanism, and strap for securing to doors or walls, featuring durable and antimicrobial materials, and optional temperature control elements, allowing for easy deployment and retrieval of packages while providing enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If computer-controlled locker stations or in-door lock boxes are used to secure packages, then security against theft is improved, but convenience and privacy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The security container is divided into a box portion and a lid portion that can separate from each other. The lid portion can be detached and carried independently, allowing the user to retrieve packages without returning home to the main container, thus improving convenience while maintaining security through the locked box portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable lid portion acts as an intermediary between the secured box and the user. It provides a secure transfer mechanism that allows package retrieval without compromising the security of the main container, resolving the contradiction between security and convenience.
2Reliability
If traditional lock boxes are used, then security is improved, but portability and ease of retrieval are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the container into a stationary box portion and a portable lid portion, the heavy secure container becomes partially portable. The lid portion can be easily carried to retrieve packages, eliminating the need to transport the entire heavy lock box while maintaining security through the locked box structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single heavy object to a distributed system where security (box) and portability (lid) are separated in different functional dimensions. The box remains stationary for security while the lid provides portable access, resolving the weight-portability contradiction.
3Reliability
If a rigid secure container is used, then security and durability are improved, but collapsibility and storage efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. The box and lid can be collapsed together for compact storage or separated for use, providing adaptability while maintaining security features. The resilient material allows the structure to be flexible during storage but rigid when in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the container changes between expanded (for security/use) and collapsed (for storage) configurations. The resilient material properties allow this parameter change while maintaining structural integrity and security features in both states, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and collapsibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible security container is disclosed. The collapsible security container comprises a collapsible box and a hinged-lid connected to the collapsible box. The collapsible box comprises a bottom panel: a front panel, a left side panel, a right side panel and a back panel connected to the bottom panel by fold lines along respective edges of the bottom panel, wherein the bottom panel, front panel, left side panel, right side panel and back panel define an interior compartment. A locking system secures the hinged-lid to the collapsible box. A strap is attached to the collapsible box. The strap has an attachment end that is attached to the collapsible box and a free end that terminates in a fastener or stopper for securing the security container about or to a structure such as a door or wall.