Package protection device
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a secure and easily accessible package holder that can be mounted to building surfaces to protect delivered packages from theft and adverse weather conditions, as existing solutions do not provide adequate protection or convenience for both homeowners and delivery services.
Innovation Solution
A package holder with a frame structure and locking mechanisms, including electronic and non-electronic options, that can be mounted to surfaces and securely store packages, allowing access by authorized individuals using biometric or code-based unlocking systems, and featuring a tracking sensing system for automated opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a package holder is mounted to building surfaces to protect packages from theft and weather, then package security and protection are improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The package holder is divided into separate functional modules: a mounting system with fasteners for secure installation, a locking mechanism system with separate lock and key components, a weather protection system with removable cover, and a tracking system with separate sensor and communication modules. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently while maintaining overall security functionality.
2Reliability
If locking mechanisms with biometric or code-based systems are integrated, then access control security is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to support multiple access control methods through a single unified system. The lock body can accept different types of keys (physical keys, code combinations, biometric data) without requiring separate locking mechanisms for each method. This multi-functionality provides enhanced security while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A microcontroller unit serves as an intermediary between various access control inputs (keypad, biometric sensor, RFID reader) and the locking mechanism. This intermediary processes different authentication methods and translates them into unified locking/unlocking commands, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining multiple access options.
3Ease of operation
If tracking sensing system is integrated for automated opening, then convenience for delivery services is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking sensing system operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The microcontroller enters low-power sleep mode between scanning cycles, activating the sensors and communication modules only when needed to check for approaching delivery vehicles or packages. This periodic operation maintains automated tracking functionality while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
The package holder incorporates a front cover having several rungs assembled in a cascading, accordion style that when the front cover is in its expanded position to cover the interior cavity of the package holder, the several rungs are fully expanded and when the front cover is in its collapsed position, the several rungs fit together. The package holder includes a frame structure having one or more back surfaces and a bottom surface. The back surface is mountable using fasteners to a physical surface of a property. The package holder incorporates electronic and computer based locking mechanisms as well as non-electronic locking mechanisms. The package holder incorporates tracking sensing systems to track a package from a third-party delivery service that can automatically access the interior cavity of the package holder. A user can access the package from an interior of a property through an opening of the package holder.