Drone delivery interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drone delivery systems face challenges in safely delivering packages without damaging the package, drone, or surrounding property, particularly when navigating to addresses without a backyard and avoiding obstacles, and ensuring secure and authorized access to received packages.
Innovation Solution
A drone delivery interface system resembling a chimney or outdoor fireplace, equipped with a pivotable cover, sensors for precise alignment, and a modular design, which includes a platform for package reception and a secure access port, allowing safe and secure delivery and retrieval of packages at an elevated height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the drone delivers packages at low altitude to reach addresses without backyard, then delivery coverage is improved, but risk of collision with obstacles and interference from personnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the delivery interface by positioning the package reception area at elevated height (chimney top or outdoor fireplace area). This allows the drone to deliver packages at higher altitude, avoiding obstacles and personnel at ground level while maintaining delivery coverage to addresses without backyard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (chimney or outdoor fireplace with platform) between the drone and the final package destination. The drone releases packages onto this intermediary platform at elevated height, which then makes packages available to recipients without requiring the drone to operate at low altitude near obstacles and personnel.
2Measurement precision
If the drone flies low to navigate around obstacles, then delivery precision is improved, but safety of drone and personnel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vertical elevation to resolve the conflict between delivery precision and safety. The platform is positioned at elevated height (chimney top or outdoor fireplace area), allowing the drone to achieve precise delivery without navigating at low altitude near obstacles and personnel, thus maintaining both precision and safety.
3Ease of operation
If the package is delivered to ground level, then ease of retrieval is improved, but vulnerability to damage and interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the package reception platform at elevated height (chimney top or outdoor fireplace area) rather than ground level. This vertical positioning protects packages from damage and interference while the platform design (with sides and optional cover) facilitates safe retrieval by recipients.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform structure with raised sides and optional cover provides protective cushioning for packages before they are retrieved. This prevents damage from weather, debris, or accidental contact while the package waits on the platform, addressing the damage risk associated with elevated delivery.
4Reliability
If the delivery interface is placed at elevated height, then safety and security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the delivery interface to resemble existing architectural features (chimney or outdoor fireplace). This allows the elevated delivery platform to serve both its primary function of safe package reception and maintain aesthetic compatibility with residential structures, reducing the perceived complexity by blending with existing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the delivery interface into modular components: the elevated platform structure, the optional cover mechanism, and the integration points with existing chimney or outdoor fireplace structures. This segmentation allows for simpler installation and maintenance while achieving the safety benefits of elevated height.
Data Source
AI summary
Packages are delivered from a drone to an upper end of an elongate shaft which in a preferred embodiment has the appearance of a chimney and which can be coupled to a residential structure or provided as a standalone structure. A hollow column extends from an upper end down to a lower end. A chute can allow for a package to pass from the upper end to the lower end or a platform used to carry a package from the upper end to the lower end. Preferably a movable cover selectively overlies the upper end to close off the upper end when not in use and to allow the upper end to be exposed for access to packages from drones. A locker can be provided adjacent to the lower end to provide secure access to packages having been delivered through the interface.