Food Delivery Box Keypad Lock for Tamper-Resistant Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food delivery devices lack internal ratchet straps and separated compartments, as well as a locking mechanism controlled by a digital keypad to prevent food tampering during delivery.

Innovation Solution

A secure food delivery box with internal compartment walls, ratchet straps, a hinged lid, digital keypad-controlled zipper, and electronic lock to ensure secure and tamper-proof food containment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a digital keypad-controlled zipper catch mechanism is added to prevent tampering, then security against food tampering is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against food tamperingVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking systems with a digital keypad-controlled electronic locking mechanism. The zipper catch is actuated by an electric motor (12V DC motor) that is controlled by a digital keypad, eliminating the need for complex mechanical key-based locking systems while providing enhanced security through electronic access control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary electronic control system between the user and the zipper closure. The digital keypad serves as an intermediary that processes user input and controls the motor-driven zipper catch, providing a layer of security that prevents direct manual access to the food containers while maintaining controlled access for authorized users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple separated compartments with ratchet straps are added to secure food containers, then food item stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefood item stabilityVSAvoidinternal structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the interior of the cooler into multiple separate compartments using partition walls. Each compartment is designed to hold specific food containers (such as pizza boxes or dessert containers) and is equipped with its own ratchet strap system. This segmentation allows for organized placement of different food items while providing individual securing mechanisms for each compartment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates ratchet straps that are pre-positioned within each compartment, allowing food containers to be secured before delivery. The straps can be tightened and locked in advance to prevent any movement or tampering of the food containers during transit, eliminating the need for additional securing actions during delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Temperature

If insulated lining is added to maintain food temperature, then temperature control is improved, but weight of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefood temperature maintenanceVSAvoidcooler weight
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses insulated lining made from composite materials that provide high thermal insulation properties relative to their weight. The insulation layer is integrated into the cooler walls and compartments, creating a composite structure that maintains food temperature effectively while minimizing the additional weight compared to solid metal or thick single-material constructions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11846118B2Secure food delivery box apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.12.19 WILLIAMS LUCAN
  • US11846118B2 patent drawing
  • US11846118B2 patent drawing
  • US11846118B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A secure food delivery box apparatus for preventing food tampering during delivery includes a container body defining a body inside. A plurality of compartment walls is coupled within the body. A pair of handles is coupled to the container body. A lid is hingingly coupled to a body back side to selectively cover and uncover a body top side. A zipper is coupled to the container body and the lid. The zipper has a pair of zip bodies each having a zip loop. A zipper catch is coupled to the container body. The zipper catch selectively locks and releases the zip loop of each zip body. A digital keypad is coupled to the container body and is in operational communication with the zipper catch.