Package receiving locker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for addressing porch piracy, such as fixed lockers and pass-through structures, are costly, require professional installation, and may not be suitable for small residences or businesses due to space and aesthetic concerns, while existing flexible bags lack security and visibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible package-receiving locker with a door-attachment structure that can be easily installed and removed without tools, featuring electronic locking and wireless communication for secure package delivery and pickup, designed to minimize footprint and maintain door functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed and permanent lockers are installed at the drop-off location, then security against porch piracy is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The locker system is divided into modular units that can be independently installed and configured. Each locker compartment operates as a separate module with its own locking mechanism, allowing flexible deployment without requiring complex integrated installation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locker system transitions from fixed permanent installation to a dynamic, reconfigurable structure. Lockers can be easily installed, relocated, or removed without permanent modifications to the building, providing adaptability while maintaining security functionality.
2Reliability
If fixed and permanent lockers are installed at the drop-off location, then security against porch piracy is improved, but space requirements and aesthetic impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locker units are designed to nest within each other or fold into compact configurations when not in use. This nesting capability allows the security system to occupy minimal space during storage while providing adequate capacity when deployed for package receipt.
Solution Approach 2:
The locker system utilizes vertical space rather than horizontal footprint by implementing wall-mounted or ceiling-suspended configurations. This dimensional transition allows security functionality without consuming valuable floor space in residential or commercial environments.
3Ease of operation
If pass-through structures are installed for deliveries, then delivery access is improved, but building security and aesthetic concerns worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery access function is extracted from the main building structure and implemented as a separate, self-contained locker system positioned at the exterior. This extraction eliminates the need for pass-through modifications to doors or walls, maintaining building security while providing convenient delivery access.
Solution Approach 2:
The locker system serves as an intermediary between the exterior delivery environment and the interior building space. Packages are transferred to lockers outside, eliminating the need for physical pass-through structures while maintaining secure separation between delivery personnel and building interiors.
4Ease of manufacture
If flexible bags are used for package receipt, then cost and simplicity are improved, but security and visibility issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines flexible, cost-effective bag materials with localized rigid structural elements at critical points such as locking mechanisms and mounting interfaces. This hybrid approach maintains overall flexibility and affordability while providing enhanced security where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locker construction utilizes composite material structures combining flexible fabrics with rigid reinforcing elements, zippers, and locking components. This composite approach provides both the cost-effectiveness of flexible materials and the security of rigid structural elements.
Data Source
AI summary
Package-receiving-lockers (PRLs) may have a collapsible-locker portion and door-attachment-structure. PRLs may exist in a substantially collapsed configuration for storing the given PRL or for otherwise minimizing a footprint of the given PRL; and these PRLs may exist in a substantially deployed (expanded) configuration for acting as a secure object storage location. Regardless of configuration (deployed or collapsed), PRLs may be removably attached to side-hinged-doors with the door-attachment-structure, in such a way so as not to impair operation of the given door. The PRLs may have various electronics for facilitating access (e.g., locking and unlocking the collapsible-locker), delivery confirmation, and mitigating theft. These electronics, along with specialized software, may allow an intended recipient (e.g., a buyer), a shipper/delivery person (or shipping/deliver robot), and/or a seller/vendor to access the PRL in a controlled and documented manner. At least some of these electronics may be in wireless communications with other electronic devices.