Mobile Expandable Package Drop Box with Garage Door Retention Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing problem of package theft due to unsecured deliveries at unoccupied residences, where consumers want secure storage without granting access to all delivery personnel and avoiding permanent installation of package drop systems, is not effectively addressed by existing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, expandable package drop security box with a base, cap, and retention bracket that can be rolled into a garage, featuring a cap that locks into two positions for size adjustment and a retention bracket that secures to the garage door, preventing the box from being moved until the door is opened, allowing secure storage and easy access for delivery personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent package drop system is installed, then package security is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The package drop system is divided into separate modular components: a base unit, a cap assembly, and a retention bracket. These segments can be independently manufactured, assembled, and installed, eliminating the need for complex permanent installation while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention bracket acts as an intermediary element that temporarily secures the package drop box to the garage door without requiring permanent modification to the door or surrounding structure. This mediator enables secure installation through simple attachment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the package drop box capacity is increased to accommodate larger packages, then versatility is improved, but storage size when not in use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be raised to accommodate larger packages or lowered to reduce the overall storage footprint. This dynamic adjustment enables the same structure to serve multiple capacity requirements without permanently occupying maximum space.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly nests over the base when in the lowered position, creating a compact stored configuration. The nested design allows the expandable capacity features to be collapsed into a minimal footprint when full capacity is not needed.
3Reliability
If the retention bracket prevents the box from being moved, then package security is improved, but ease of relocation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention bracket is designed to engage with the garage door structure in advance, creating security before the package is even placed in the box. This preliminary securing action eliminates the need for continuous monitoring or additional locking mechanisms during package storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical retention system replaces complex electronic locking mechanisms or permanent anchoring systems. The simple bracket-and-door interaction provides sufficient security through basic mechanical engagement that can be easily released when relocation is needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A package drop box includes a base, a cap, and a retention bracket. The base has an open top. The cap has an open bottom. In a first position, the cap is fitted over the base such that a bottom edge of the cap is proximate a bottom edge of the base. In the second position, the bottom edge of the cap is proximate a top edge of the base. The retention bracket is configured to secure to the base. The retention bracket is configured to extend up a back of the base from the surface supporting the package drop box, extend along the surface away from the back of the base, and extend vertically upward from the surface supporting the package drop box at a predetermined distance from the back of the base.