Hinged Roof Parcel Drop Box for Secure Residential Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 'last mile' of parcel delivery poses a security challenge as packages are often left on residential porches, exposed to theft and weather, with existing commercial-grade solutions being heavy, costly, and unsuitable for residential use.
Innovation Solution
A secure delivery/drop box with a frame, securable wall and floor panels, a hinged roof, and a lockable door assembly that can be configured vertically or horizontally, allowing for easy assembly and securing to a post or concrete, providing a flexible and secure receptacle for parcels of various sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If commercial-grade metal boxes are used for secure parcel delivery, then security against theft and weather is improved, but weight increases and cost increases making them unsuitable for residential use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from heavy metal to lightweight plastic, achieving the same security function through alternative material properties. The plastic construction provides sufficient durability and security for residential use while dramatically reducing weight and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cost-effective plastic construction that is affordable for residential deployment, contrasting with expensive commercial-grade metal boxes. The design accepts that the box may have a limited service life but compensates through low cost and ease of replacement.
2Reliability
If commercial-grade metal boxes are used for secure parcel delivery, then security against theft and weather is improved, but cost increases making them unsuitable for residential use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from expensive metal to inexpensive plastic, achieving the same security function through alternative material properties. The plastic construction provides sufficient durability and security for residential use while dramatically reducing weight and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cost-effective plastic construction that is affordable for residential deployment, contrasting with expensive commercial-grade metal boxes. The design accepts that the box may have a limited service life but compensates through low cost and ease of replacement.
3Ease of operation
If packages are left on residential porches for delivery, then delivery convenience is improved, but exposure to theft and weather increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secure drop box as an intermediary between the delivery person and the recipient. The box provides a secure intermediate storage location that protects packages from theft and weather while maintaining delivery convenience, eliminating the need for recipient presence during delivery.
4Reliability
If a secure drop box is implemented, then protection against theft and weather is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the box into modular components including a base, removable tray, lid, and security features. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while providing comprehensive security functionality. The modular design reduces overall system complexity compared to integrated commercial solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery/drop box is provided for parcels and products (“items”). The box comprises: a frame; a plurality of wall, floor, fixed roof, and fixed front panels securable to the frame; a cam roof section hingeably securable to at least one of the frame and the fixed roof section; a drop door assembly hingeably securable to at least one of the frame and the fixed front panel. As the drop door assembly is moved to an open position, the cam roof section moves to a raised position and an opening into an interior of the box is created. The box further comprises a lockable door panel hingeably securable to one of the side or rear panels, whereby an item passed through the opening into the interior of the box is accessible when the door panel is unlocked and open and is inaccessible when the door panel is closed and locked.