Electrical continuity unattended package security apparatus and method of operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package delivery systems are vulnerable to theft and damage when left unattended, as they lack effective security measures to prevent unauthorized access and tampering, and do not provide a secure means for recipients to access the packages without human interaction.
Innovation Solution
An electrical continuity unattended package security apparatus that uses a bag with a matrix of conductive wires and an electric cable to detect disturbances, triggering visual and audible alarms, and includes a coded pad to control access, ensuring the package can only be opened by authorized individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packages are left unattended at the recipient's door for delivery, then delivery efficiency is improved and human interaction is reduced, but the packages become vulnerable to theft, damage, and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary security measures by equipping packages with alarm devices, conductive wire matrices, and coded access pads before delivery. These preventive mechanisms are activated in advance to detect and respond to unauthorized access attempts, thereby protecting packages during unattended delivery without reducing delivery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The package security system operates autonomously without requiring human intervention. The alarm device automatically detects disturbances through the conductive wire matrix and triggers alerts, while the coded pad independently controls access to the package contents, enabling the package to protect itself during unattended delivery
2Reliability
If a coded pad is added to control access to the package, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coded pad serves multiple functions: it acts as both a security mechanism to prevent unauthorized access and an access control interface for authorized recipients. By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining robust security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the alarm device, conductive wire matrix, and coded pad into an integrated package security system. This merging of components reduces the number of separate devices needed and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining comprehensive security functionality
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 apparatus effectively prevents theft and tampering by alerting with alarms and allowing secure access only through a coded entry, ensuring the package remains secure until retrieved by the intended recipient or deliverer.
Implementation Method 1
detecting disturbance to electrical continuity through an electric cable and a bag defined by a matrix of conductive wires
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical continuity unattended package security apparatus and method of operation prevents unattended delivered packages from theft or molestation. A bag contains an item. The bag has a mesh sidewall weaved with a matrix of conductive wires. An electric cable, carrying electrical current is in contact with conductive wires. A current sensing device detects a disturbance to electrical continuity through the electric cable and conductive wires, such as attempts to cut the cable or open the bag. A disturbance to the electric cable or conductive wires triggers a visual and audible alarm. The terminus of the cable forms a loop that serves as a mounting means to the anchoring structure. Fasteners also serves as a mounting means. A coded pad controls a gate. When the package recipient or package deliverer register a predetermined code, the gate opens to enable access to electric cable and alarm reset means.