Collection Box Audio System Using Door-Triggered Sensor Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of collection boxes for delivery services often spend time near the boxes without receiving information or entertainment, making it desirable to provide audio capabilities that can be easily integrated into existing boxes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a processing system, audio transducer, trigger device, and sensor into collection boxes, allowing for the generation and playback of audio signals when the door is opened or closed, potentially including environmental sensors for additional features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If audio components (processing system, audio transducer, trigger device, sensor) are integrated into the collection box, then audio information and entertainment can be provided to users, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (processing system, audio transducer, trigger device, sensor) into a single integrated audio system module that is installed within the existing collection box structure. This merging approach enables comprehensive audio functionality while consolidating components to minimize overall system complexity and facilitate unified installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio system is designed to perform multiple functions: providing delivery information, playing entertainment audio, and potentially receiving user interactions. This multi-functionality maximizes the utility of the added components, ensuring that the increased device complexity serves multiple purposes rather than a single function, thereby justifying the added complexity through enhanced user value.
2Adaptability or versatility
If audio components are integrated into existing collection boxes, then new audio capability is added, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system is designed as a separate, self-contained module that can be installed into the collection box without requiring modification of the box's fundamental structure. This segmentation allows the audio components to be manufactured, tested, and installed as a discrete unit, simplifying the integration process into existing collection boxes while maintaining adaptability across different box models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a trigger device (such as a magnet or optical sensor) that acts as an intermediary between the door mechanism and the audio processing system. This intermediary component detects door opening/closing events and triggers appropriate audio responses without requiring direct integration with the box's structural elements, thereby facilitating easier installation while maintaining full audio functionality.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor is positioned in close proximity with the trigger device when the door is closed, then accurate detection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger device is attached to the moving door component itself, and the sensor is mounted on the stationary box frame. As the door moves, it automatically brings the trigger device into the sensor's detection field when closed and removes it when opened. This self-service mechanism achieves accurate door position detection without requiring complex positioning systems, active alignment mechanisms, or additional control components.
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
Enables the provision of audio information or entertainment to users while maintaining ease of installation and compatibility with existing collection boxes, enhancing user experience without altering their functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the trigger device is a magnet connected to the door of the collection box and the sensor is a magnetic switch
Implementation Method 2
the processing system generates an audio signal that is converted to sound by the audio transducer such that the sound can be heard outside of the collection box
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and techniques for producing audio for, or adding audio capability to, a collection box for delivery items that includes a user-operated door for putting items into the collection box. The system can include a processing subsystem, an audio transducer, a trigger device that is connected to, or that is part of, the door of the collection device, and a sensor. The sensor detects the trigger device when the trigger device is in close proximity (e.g., in contact), and the sensor is positioned such that it is in close proximity with the trigger device when the door is closed. In response to the trigger device moving out of close proximity, the sensor generates a signal to the processing system. In response, the processing system generates an audio signal that is converted to sound by the audio transducer, which can be heard outside of the collection box.