Delivery shelf
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frequent online deliveries often result in packages being left on the ground, vulnerable to soiling or theft, due to lack of space near the front door and inadequate notification to users, leading to delays and increased risk of theft.
Innovation Solution
A deployable delivery shelf system with a platform hingedly affixed to a mounting base, featuring a telescopically extendable panel and lateral panels that can be raised to form a container, equipped with a proximity sensor, facial recognition, and a notification system to secure and notify users of deliveries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a delivery shelf is provided near the front door, then packages can be stored securely and conveniently, but the device complexity increases due to hinge mechanisms and deployment systems
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery shelf employs a hinge mechanism that allows the shelf to dynamically transition between a deployed position (providing storage surface) and a retracted position (flush with mounting base). This dynamic configuration enables the shelf to adapt its form factor based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between providing convenient storage access and maintaining a compact appearance when not in use.
2Loss of time
If the platform is always deployed, then packages can be immediately stored upon delivery, but the loss of time for manual deployment is eliminated while the device occupies more space continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The automated deployment system uses sensors to detect package placement and automatically actuates the hinge mechanism to deploy the platform, eliminating manual intervention time. The platform transitions from a retracted to deployed state based on operational conditions, providing immediate storage capability without permanently occupying excessive space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and automated actuators that enable the platform to self-deploy when a package is detected, eliminating the need for manual deployment by users. This self-service mechanism resolves the time loss contradiction by automating the deployment process while maintaining space efficiency through on-demand deployment only.
3Area of moving object
If extension panels are added to increase storage capacity, then larger packages can be accommodated, but the device complexity increases due to telescopic or pivotal mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Extension panels are incorporated with telescopic or pivotal mechanisms that allow the storage surface area to dynamically expand when needed for large packages and contract to a compact configuration during normal operation. This dynamic scalability resolves the contradiction between providing versatile storage capacity and maintaining structural simplicity.
4Area of stationary object
If the platform is retracted flush against the mounting base, then the space occupation is minimized, but the accessibility for package placement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism enables the platform to transition between a retracted position (flush with mounting base for minimal space occupation) and a deployed position (providing accessible storage surface). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the platform to optimize its configuration based on operational requirements - compact when not in use and accessible when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery shelf is provided. The device includes a platform hingedly affixed to a mounting base, wherein a rear edge of the platform is hingedly affixed along a lower edge of the mounting base. The platform is selectively movable between a deployed position and a storage position. The platform is substantially perpendicular to the mounting base when in the deployed position and an upper surface of the platform rests flush against a front surface of the mounting base when the platform is in the storage position. An extension panel is telescopically disposed within a front edge of the platform, wherein the extension panel selectively moves between an extended position and a retracted position. The extension panel is disposed entirely within an interior of the platform when in the retracted position.