Modular Actuator-Based Container Securing System for Theft Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package delivery solutions are inadequate for securing packages during transit and at residential locations, as they are either impractical or expensive to implement, and packages are vulnerable to theft and tampering due to insecure attachment points and access to secure areas.
Innovation Solution
A modular securing system that includes an actuator and an electronic controller, which can attach and release transport containers to various attachment points, ensuring secure attachment and reporting the status of the attachment through a transceiver, utilizing different types of actuators such as threaded, piston, and electromagnet mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic lockers are installed for package delivery, then package security is improved, but installation cost and infrastructure requirements increase prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core security function from complex electronic locker infrastructure and implements it through a portable container with integrated locking mechanism. The container itself becomes the secure unit, eliminating the need for fixed electronic locker installations at delivery locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The container incorporates self-contained security features including integrated actuators, attachment structures, and electronic controllers that autonomously secure the container without requiring external infrastructure. The container serves its own security needs through built-in mechanisms.
2Reliability
If packages are placed in secure sorting warehouses and transportation vehicles, then package security is improved, but access control becomes more difficult as many personnel have access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security system into container-level autonomous units with individual electronic controllers and actuators. Each container operates independently with its own security credentials, eliminating the need for centralized access control over large facilities with multiple personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the access control parameter from facility-wide personnel authentication to container-specific electronic authentication. The electronic controller verifies authorization at the container level, restricting access to only authorized recipients regardless of how many personnel work in the facility.
3Reliability
If transport containers are secured to attachment points, then theft and tampering are reduced, but the system must be adaptable to different container and attachment point types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal attachment structures and actuators that can interface with multiple types of attachment points across different container configurations. The electronic controller adapts to various attachment point types, allowing the same container design to secure to different locations and structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic attachment mechanisms where the actuator and attachment structure can adjust their configuration based on the specific attachment point encountered. This allows the securing mechanism to adapt its form and function to match different container and location requirements.
4Reliability
If actuators are used to attach containers, then secure attachment is achieved, but the system complexity increases with multiple actuator types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs homogeneous actuator designs with standardized electronic controllers that maintain consistent operation across different attachment scenarios. Rather than using fundamentally different actuator types, the system uses variations of the same basic actuator principle, reducing complexity while maintaining security.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides secure attachment and reporting of transport containers to attachment points, reducing theft and tampering risks, and can be adapted for different containers and locations without the need for extensive infrastructure changes, enabling efficient and cost-effective package delivery.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing different types of actuators such as threaded, piston, and electromagnet mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
Securing systems and methods of securing a transport container to an attachment point. In one embodiment, the securing system includes an actuator, an attachment structure, and an electronic controller. The attachment structure is dimensioned to complement the actuator. The electronic controller is operably coupled to the actuator for attaching and releasing the actuator to the attachment structure.