Foundation-Integrated Delivery Lockbox with Dual-Entry Access

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lockbox devices for parcel delivery lack integration with a building's foundation and do not have both exterior and interior entry points, making them less secure and inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

A lockbox device with a recess to accommodate a building's foundation, featuring a front exterior entry for delivery and a rear interior entry for retrieval, equipped with a locking unit that can be remotely communicated with via a personal electronic device to alert occupants of parcel delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lockbox is positioned adjacent to an entry of a building without foundation integration, then it is easier to install and access, but security is reduced and it does not provide integrated structure

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lockbox is merged with the building foundation by integrating a recess into the lockbox structure that accommodates the foundation. This combines the lockbox with the building structure, enhancing security through integration while maintaining ease of access via the exterior entryway.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lockbox is divided into two separate entry points: an exterior entryway for parcel delivery and an interior entryway for retrieval. This segmentation allows different access functions to be performed through separate openings, improving security while maintaining convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a lockbox has only an exterior entry point, then it is simpler to design, but convenience for users is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconvenienceVSAvoidentry point complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lockbox is divided into two separate entry points: an exterior entryway for parcel delivery and an interior entryway for retrieval. This segmentation allows different access functions to be performed through separate openings, improving security while maintaining convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a lockbox lacks foundation integration, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to building structures is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuilding integrationVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lockbox is merged with the building foundation by integrating a recess into the lockbox structure that accommodates the foundation. This combines the lockbox with the building structure, enhancing security through integration while maintaining ease of access via the exterior entryway.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11928642B2Delivery lockbox assembly

Publication Date: 2024.03.12 RUOCCO DANIEL

AI summary

A delivery lockbox assembly includes a lock box which has a recess to accommodate a foundation of a building. The lock box has a front entry which is positioned outside of the building to facilitate a parcel to be delivered into the lock box. The lock box has a back entry which is positioned within the building thereby facilitating the back entry to be accessible to an occupant of the building for retrieving the parcel. A locking unit is integrated into the front entry inhibit the parcel from is removed from the lock box by an unauthorized person. the locking unit has an access unit is integrated into the locking unit wherein the access unit is configured to be manipulated by the delivery person. The locking unit is in remote communication with a personal electronic device to alert the occupant that the parcel has been delivered into the lock box.