Window-Mounted Drone Landing Pad With Secure Package Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The use of drones for package delivery faces challenges such as increased package theft, inability to deliver to high-density population areas, and obstacles like low-hanging branches or covered porches, which can hinder efficient and secure delivery.
Innovation Solution
A standalone landing pad with a secure storage compartment that can be mounted on a window, featuring a digital interface, lockable compartment, and optional features like climate control and animal deterrents, to securely receive and store packages from drones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If drones are used to deliver packages directly to doorsteps, then delivery speed and cost-effectiveness are improved, but package theft risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a landing pad as an intermediary device between the drone and the final delivery location. The drone delivers packages to the landing pad (which can be mounted on windows or walls), and then packages are transferred to interior locations. This intermediary structure prevents direct doorstep delivery, thereby reducing package theft risk while maintaining delivery speed and efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If packages are left in front of buildings in high-density areas, then delivery accessibility is improved, but public safety hazards and theft risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the delivery interface from ground level (street level) to vertical surfaces (windows and walls). By mounting landing pads on vertical building surfaces, the system transforms the delivery location from horizontal ground space to vertical building facade, enabling delivery in high-density areas without blocking streets or creating safety hazards.
3Reliability
If drones are equipped with more sensors to detect obstacles like low-hanging branches, then delivery reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the obstacle detection and avoidance function from the drone itself and transfers it to the landing pad infrastructure. The landing pad is positioned in predetermined locations that are accessible to drones, and the drone's navigation system guides it to these known locations. This eliminates the need for complex real-time obstacle detection sensors on the drone, as the delivery point is pre-established and accessible.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A landing pad (1) receives and stores packages delivered from an aerial vehicle are awaiting pickup from an aerial vehicle. The landing pad can be placed outside of a window and can contain a transmitter for sending out an identification signal via radio frequency to aid aerial vehicles in finding the landing pad. The landing pad (1) contains a landing platform (2) with a trapdoor that leads to a storage compartment. The trapdoor can be configured to only open when it receives a signal from an authorized aerial vehicle. The storage compartment can be accessed via a storage compartment door which can contain a locking mechanism. The storage compartment can be climate controlled. The landing pad (1) can also have a transmitter that emits sounds to discourage animals from nesting on or near the landing pad. The landing pad can also include a solar power generator as a source of electrical energy.