Drop Box Package Receptacle Design to Prevent Unauthorized Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage systems, including drop boxes, fail to prevent undesirable user access to the internal volume where packages are stored, allowing unintended users to view or access the stored packages.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with a package receptacle that moves between open and closed configurations, preventing user access to the internal volume by isolating it during package deposition and retrieval, and incorporating sensors to detect and control system characteristics for enhanced security and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the housing has an open internal volume for package storage, then package accessibility is improved, but unauthorized user access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into two distinct compartments: an open package receptacle for depositing packages and a secure internal volume for storing them. The package receptacle acts as a temporary holding area that is accessible to all users, while the internal volume remains secured until packages are properly deposited and the receptacle is closed. This segmentation allows easy package deposition while preventing unauthorized access to stored packages.
Solution Approach 2:
The package receptacle serves as an intermediary mechanism between users and the secure internal volume. Users interact with the receptacle to deposit packages, but the receptacle itself prevents direct access to the internal volume. The receptacle mediates the transfer of packages from the external environment to the secure storage space, eliminating the need for users to access the internal volume directly.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a package receptacle is added to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The package receptacle is integrated as part of the housing structure rather than being a separate, independent component. The receptacle merges with the housing to form a unified structure where the receptacle opening aligns with the housing opening, and the receptacle bottom forms part of the internal volume boundary. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the security function.
Solution Approach 2:
The package receptacle serves multiple functions: it acts as a secure cover for the internal volume, provides a designated area for package deposition, and functions as a mechanical barrier preventing direct access to stored packages. By combining these functions into a single component, the system achieves enhanced security without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If sensors are added to detect system characteristics, then security monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors are configured to automatically detect and report system characteristics such as package presence, receptacle position, and housing status without requiring manual intervention. The system self-monitors its own state and can automatically trigger security protocols or notifications, reducing the need for additional complex control mechanisms while improving security monitoring reliability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the package receptacle moves between open and closed configurations, then access control is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The package receptacle is designed as a movable component that can dynamically transition between open and closed configurations. This dynamic design allows the receptacle to adapt its state based on operational needs: open for package deposition, closed for security. The movable nature maintains ease of operation by allowing simple user actions to trigger configuration changes while providing robust access control.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system configured to receive one or more packages is provided herein. The storage system may comprise a housing having an internal volume configured to receive and store the one or more packages and a package receptacle configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The package receptacle is configured such that in the open configuration the package receptacle is configured to receive the one or more packages and prevent user access to the internal volume of the housing, and in the closed configuration the package receptacle is configured to drop the one or more packages into the internal volume of the housing. In some aspects, the storage system comprises at least one sensor to detect at least one characteristic of the storage system and at least one processor to obtain sensor data from the at least one sensor.