Package Delivery Door with Remote Latch Control for Theft Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional package delivery systems lack security, as packages are often left unsupervised and vulnerable to theft when no one is present to accept them, and existing solutions are inconvenient for recipients, requiring them to travel to a facility during specific hours.

Innovation Solution

A package delivery system with a package delivery door installed inside a vertical structure, controlled by user devices via a network, allowing secure delivery without a person's presence, using a controller and latch mechanism that can be remotely operated to open and close the door for package insertion and secure closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If packages are left on the doorstep for delivery, then delivery convenience is improved, but security deteriorates as packages become vulnerable to theft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery convenienceVSAvoidtheft vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery door is segmented into separate access points for different users (recipients and delivery personnel) with independent control mechanisms. Each user can access the door independently through their own device, allowing secure delivery without requiring the recipient to be physically present while maintaining security through divided access control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If packages are delivered to a monitored facility, then security is improved, but convenience deteriorates as recipients must travel during store hours

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheft preventionVSAvoidrecipient convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service delivery where the recipient can authorize delivery and retrieve packages independently through their mobile device without requiring staffed facility hours or manual intervention. The automated door control system allows recipients to manage their own package security and access timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery door system serves multiple functions: it acts as a secure storage point, an automated access control system, and a communication interface between delivery personnel and recipients. This multi-functionality replaces the need for specialized monitored facilities while providing equivalent or superior convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a latch mechanism is added to secure the door, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage securityVSAvoiddoor mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical door control system is replaced with an automated electronic latch mechanism controlled by a microcontroller and mobile device communication. This substitution reduces the need for complex manual locking mechanisms while providing enhanced security through electronic control and remote authorization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11587382B1Package delivery system and method of use

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 VALENTINE QUINN

AI summary

A package delivery system for secured delivery of packages without the need for a person to be present to accept them in person is disclosed. The package delivery system includes a vertical structure such as a wall, a door, and a garage door; a package delivery door dispositioned within the vertical structure; and one or more user devices in communication with the package delivery door via a network.