Drone Delivery Container Locking and UV-C Disinfection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for delivering community items via drones lack efficient management and coordination of item distribution, security, and disinfection, making it difficult to share items safely and efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A community item distribution system that utilizes drones equipped with secured and disinfecting containers to manage the collection, categorization, and delivery of community items, including features for user interface management, disinfectant scheduling, and secure access protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If items are delivered via traditional ground methods to donation centers, then items can be sorted and distributed to those in need, but the process is time-consuming and requires manual coordination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem distribution efficiencyVSAvoiddelivery time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual ground-based delivery systems with autonomous aerial drone delivery. Drones equipped with secured containers autonomously transport items from donors to recipients, eliminating the need for manual sorting and coordination at donation centers. The system uses automated navigation, secure container locking mechanisms, and direct point-to-point delivery to achieve faster, more efficient item distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If personal drones are used for delivery, then delivery speed and efficiency improve, but legal restrictions, costs, and privacy concerns make it uneconomical for users to own and operate them

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery speedVSAvoidsystem operational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a centralized platform that acts as an intermediary between donors and recipients. This platform coordinates drone deliveries, manages authentication, handles item tracking, and oversees the entire delivery process. Users interact with the platform through user interfaces rather than directly operating drones, simplifying the system while maintaining efficient delivery capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If items are transported in open containers on drones, then access and loading are simple, but items can be stolen or contaminated during transit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer accessVSAvoiditem security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary security measures by equipping drone containers with locking mechanisms that engage automatically upon closure. Authentication systems are pre-configured to verify recipient identity before allowing container access. Disinfection protocols are prepared and executed as standard procedures before item delivery, ensuring items are protected from theft and contamination throughout transit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If items are delivered without disinfection, then delivery process is faster and simpler, but items may carry diseases or viruses that can contaminate recipients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery speedVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous disinfection protocols throughout the item delivery process. Containers are disinfected before item loading, maintained during transit, and disinfected again before recipient access. This continuous protective action ensures items remain safe from contamination while maintaining efficient delivery timelines through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system enables safe and efficient sharing of community items by ensuring items are disinfected before delivery, securely transported, and accessible to those in need, while also reducing the burden on donors by allowing items to be stored until pickup.

Implementation Method 1

The container can include one or more ultraviolet (UV-C) disinfection lights configured to kill viruses and bacteria on the item(s)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation: Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS12277820B1Security and safety configurations for drone delivery

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (USAA)

AI summary

Embodiments described herein disclose methods and systems for community item distribution. In some implementations, the community item distribution system includes a platform for users to post information regarding items they want to share with the community. The community item distribution system can categorize the information and establish donation parameters for the shared items. The donation parameters can include where and when items can be donated or retrieved, what types of items can be donated, and who can request the donated items. In some cases, the community item distribution system can generate a user interface listing the available items that users can request. Upon request of an item, the community item distribution system can schedule a drone to transport the item, in a secured container with ultraviolet lights to disinfect the item, from the storage location to the delivery location.