Secure Package Drop Box With Sliding Screen for Theft Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of packages delivered to residential areas due to online ordering has led to a rise in porch piracy, as many delivery services leave packages outside homes, making them vulnerable to theft since traditional mailboxes and package drop boxes are not secure enough to protect them.
Innovation Solution
A secure package drop box design featuring an arcuate planar surface with a security screen that transitions between closed and open positions, inhibiting access to the storage compartment, and a lid that doubles as a bench, ensuring packages are stored safely until authorized retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If packages are left outside residences on porches or driveways for delivery, then delivery convenience is improved, but security against theft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the package delivery process into two distinct phases: a staging compartment for initial package placement and a storage compartment for secure storage. The security screen acts as an intermediary barrier that segments access, allowing packages to be transferred from the staging area to the secure storage area without direct access to the interior, thus maintaining security while enabling convenient delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The security screen serves as an intermediary element between the exterior environment and the interior storage space. It mediates the package transfer process by allowing packages to be placed on it from the outside, then sliding open to deposit packages into the storage compartment, preventing direct access while facilitating delivery
2Ease of operation
If traditional mailboxes and package drop boxes are used, then package reception is enabled, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a nested structure where the security screen is positioned within the opening of the structure, and the staging compartment is nested within the overall package storing assembly. The security screen can slide between closed and open positions, creating a nested configuration that provides security while allowing package transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The security screen is designed to be dynamic rather than static, sliding between a closed position that inhibits access and an open position that allows package transfer. This dynamic mechanism maintains security during normal conditions while enabling convenient package reception when needed
3Reliability
If a security screen is added to inhibit access through the opening, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security screen provides partial action by only blocking access when in the closed position, while allowing full access during the sliding motion and when open. This partial blocking action achieves the security objective without requiring a completely complex locking mechanism, as the screen's simple sliding motion provides sufficient security for the intended application
Data Source
AI summary
A package-storing assembly according to one disclosed non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an arcuate planar surface positioned adjacent an opening of a structure, the arcuate planar surface having an opening therethrough; and a security screen slidably engaged with the arcuate planar surface, the security screen supported to transition between a closed position and an open position, wherein the security screen inhibits access through the opening in the closed position, and cooperates with a lid to inhibit access to the opening in the open position.