Doormat with Collapsible Storage to Reduce Package Theft Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing problem of package theft, known as 'porch piracy,' due to the rise in home deliveries, is not adequately addressed by existing solutions such as alarms and cameras, which provide no physical deterrent, and locking containers that are often too large and unsightly for front-door spaces.
Innovation Solution
An improved doormat with a collapsible storage apparatus that is rotatably coupled to an anchored frame, allowing it to deploy into an expanded state for package storage and retract into a collapsed state for compactness, thereby providing a physical and space-efficient solution for securing packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking container is used to prevent package theft, then package security is improved, but the container size becomes too large and unsightly for front-door spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by designing a storage apparatus that transitions between a collapsed state (small footprint) and an expanded state (large storage capacity). The apparatus includes a base portion and a storage portion that can be rotated between a horizontal position (collapsed) and a vertical position (expanded), allowing it to adapt its size dynamically based on whether packages need to be stored or the space needs to remain compact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the nested doll principle by having the storage portion nest within or adjacent to the base portion when in the collapsed state. The storage apparatus is configured to occupy minimal space when not in use, with components that can be stored within each other's footprint, similar to nested dolls. This allows the large storage capacity to be condensed into a small form factor when packages are not being stored
2Reliability
If a locking container is used to prevent package theft, then package security is improved, but the container becomes unsightly and affects aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus dynamically changes its configuration to present a sleek, low-profile appearance when not in use (collapsed state), and only reveals its full storage capacity when needed. This dynamic transformation allows it to blend with the aesthetic of the entryway when collapsed, while still providing secure storage when expanded
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion serves multiple functions: it acts as both the foundation for the storage apparatus and as a standalone doormat or decorative element when the storage portion is collapsed. This multi-functionality allows the apparatus to maintain aesthetic appeal even when not storing packages, as the base portion can function as a traditional doormat
3Reliability
If a locking container is used to prevent package theft, then package security is improved, but the container requires more space than is available in front of the door
Solution Approach 1:
The storage apparatus utilizes vertical space by rotating the storage portion from a horizontal to vertical orientation, effectively using the air space above the base portion rather than requiring additional horizontal footprint. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the apparatus to provide large storage capacity while occupying minimal ground area in front of the door
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal footprint to a three-dimensional vertical structure by rotating the storage portion upward. This dimensional change allows the apparatus to maximize storage capacity in the vertical dimension while minimizing its horizontal footprint, effectively utilizing the available space in front of the door more efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure concerns an improved doormat having an anchored frame surrounding a center portion. A collapsible storage apparatus is rotatably coupled to the anchored frame and is configured to deploy into an expanded state and retract into a collapsed state. The collapsible storage apparatus is configured to store and secure delivered packages. In some embodiments, the center portion includes a doormat material disposed on an upper surface thereof. In some embodiments, the collapsible storage apparatus is disposed between the center portion and the anchored frame while in a collapsed state.