Package receiving device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing package delivery systems, such as package lockers, are inconvenient and lack effective security measures to prevent unauthorized access and ensure safe delivery of packages when recipients are not home, as they often require users to retrieve packages from distant locations and may expose packages to weather and potential theft.

Innovation Solution

A package receiving device with a rotating panel assembly that automatically locks and unlocks using a digital deadbolt system, allowing secure and convenient delivery of packages directly into a home or business, featuring a mailbox assembly, hydraulic struts for controlled opening and closing, and swinging slats for added security and weatherproofing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If package lockers are used for delivery, then packages can be received when recipients are not home, but users must travel to distant locations and packages are exposed to weather and theft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of package receiptVSAvoidexposure to weather and theft

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a package receiving device as an intermediary between the courier and the recipient. This device includes a secure storage compartment with digital deadbolt locking mechanism that automatically locks when the panel closes, preventing unauthorized access and theft while keeping packages inside the protected environment of the home rather than exposing them externally in traditional lockers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The package receiving device enables self-service delivery where the courier can independently deposit packages through the openable panel without requiring recipient presence. The automatic locking mechanism and weatherproof construction ensure packages are securely stored and protected from environmental factors, eliminating the need for recipients to visit distant lockers or manually secure packages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional package lockers are used, then delivery can occur without recipient presence, but security measures are insufficient to prevent unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of package deliveryVSAvoidcomplexity of security system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based locking systems with a digital deadbolt locking mechanism. This digital system provides enhanced security through electronic authentication while maintaining mechanical reliability. The deadbolt integrates seamlessly with the panel assembly, providing automatic locking when the panel closes and unlocking when properly authenticated, thereby achieving high security without excessive system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a secure package receiving system is implemented, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unauthorized accessVSAvoidcomplexity of receiving device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the digital deadbolt locking mechanism directly into the panel assembly structure. The deadbolt integrates with the panel's moving and stationary components, combining the security function with the existing mechanical structure. This integration reduces the need for separate security components and simplifies the overall system while maintaining high security standards through automatic locking and digital authentication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables secure, convenient, and weatherproof package delivery directly into a residence or business, preventing unauthorized access and minimizing damage to packages, while allowing easy access for authorized couriers and users, enhancing the security and convenience of package receipt.

Implementation Method 1

featuring a mailbox assembly, hydraulic struts for controlled opening and closing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic force: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

automatically locks and unlocks using a digital deadbolt system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic locking: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS11832751B2Package receiving device

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 GATKE PAUL

AI summary

A specially designed package receiving device configured to facilitate automatic receipt and notification of packages while preventing unauthorized ingress and egress there-through. The package receiving device includes a frame affixed to an existing support surface, an access panel pivotally coupled to the frame and being selectively rotated along clockwise and counterclockwise directions, a handle affixed to an upper exterior section of the access panel, a plurality of slats pivotally affixed to an interior side of the frame, a box for mail pivotally coupled to the interior side of the upper panel, and a dampening mechanism for providing greater resistive force against rotation of the access panel in the clockwise direction and less resistive force against rotation of the access panel in the counterclockwise direction.