Mobile-Controlled Parcel Safe for Secure Weather-Protected Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parcel delivery systems face issues such as lost, stolen, or damaged packages, especially for perishable items, due to exposure to weather and the need for recipients to be present for signature or to collect packages, which can be time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A smart parcel safe with a mobile-controlled electronically locked container that syncs with delivery services and owners' devices, allowing remote locking and unlocking, GPS tracking, and integration with drones for secure and efficient delivery and pickup, along with optional temperature control for perishables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If parcels are left exposed on a porch for delivery, then delivery convenience is improved, but security and protection from weather damage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A smart parcel safe serves as an intermediary structure between the delivery service and the recipient. It provides a secure, weather-protected container that can be remotely accessed via mobile device, eliminating the need to leave parcels exposed while maintaining delivery convenience through remote unlocking capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based locking systems with electronic locking mechanisms controlled by mobile devices. This substitution enables remote access control, allowing parcels to be secured in a protected container without requiring physical key exchange or recipient presence.
2Reliability
If recipients must be present for signature or package collection, then security is improved, but time efficiency and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The smart parcel safe is prepared in advance by being placed at the delivery location and configured with remote access capabilities. The electronic locking mechanism is pre-set to allow authorized access via mobile device, so when the parcel arrives, it can be securely deposited and later retrieved without requiring the recipient to be physically present or wait in line.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service delivery and retrieval operations. The recipient can unlock the parcel safe remotely using their mobile device, allowing them to collect packages at their convenience without needing to visit a delivery center or wait for scheduled deliveries, thus improving time efficiency while maintaining security.
3Device complexity
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then device simplicity is improved, but remote control capability and automation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides secure locking, enables remote access control via mobile devices, and interfaces with delivery service systems. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain relatively simple hardware while achieving advanced automation and remote control capabilities through software integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart parcel safe including a container defining an enclosure with an opening, a lid attached to the container by hinges and formed to fit over the opening and securely close the enclosure in a closed orientation, the lid being hinged to move from the closed orientation into an open orientation so as to provide access to the enclosure through the opening, a mobile communication device including an app designed to control locking/unlocking of an associated locking mechanism, and an electronically controlled locking mechanism affixed to the container and the lid, the electronically controlled locking mechanism being associated with the mobile communication device so as to be locked/unlocked in response to operation of the mobile communication device.