Package-securing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current package delivery systems lack effective mechanisms for secure retention and theft deterrence, as they do not ensure that packages are only released to authorized individuals and fail to provide evidence of attempted thefts.
Innovation Solution
A package-securing device comprising a housing with straps, latch retainers, a controller, keypad, camera, sound transducer, and dye dispenser, which secures packages with straps that can only be released after entering a secret code, while recording attempts to remove the package and activating a dye dispenser upon unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a package is left unsecured for easy delivery, then delivery speed and convenience are improved, but package security and theft prevention deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The package is pre-secured with straps and locked in place before delivery arrives. The securing device is already in position and activated, so when the package is delivered it is immediately secured without requiring additional action. This preliminary preparation allows fast delivery while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing device automatically detects when a package is placed on its base and activates the straps and locking mechanism without human intervention. The system self-secures the package, providing both speed (automatic operation) and security (locked containment).
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is used to retain the package, then package security is improved, but ease of authorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a biometric sensor (fingerprint reader) that provides immediate feedback by comparing the presented fingerprint against stored authorized fingerprints. This automated verification process maintains high security through biometric authentication while improving ease of access for authorized users compared to manual key or code systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical locking system is replaced with a biometric authentication system using fingerprint sensing. This substitution maintains strong security (biometric verification is more secure than mechanical keys) while improving ease of operation (fingerprint scanning is faster and more convenient than key manipulation or code entry).
3Reliability
If theft detection mechanisms are added to deter theft, then theft prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dye dispenser that releases visible dye onto the package or surrounding area when theft is detected. This visual color change provides an immediate, obvious deterrent and alert mechanism. The dye dispensing function is integrated into the existing securing device structure, adding theft prevention capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful act of attempted theft into a beneficial alert mechanism. When the force sensor detects unauthorized force applied to the package, it triggers the dye dispenser and alarm, turning the theft attempt itself into the activation signal for the defense mechanism. This integrated response provides strong theft prevention while keeping the system relatively simple by using the theft attempt as the trigger.
Data Source
AI summary
The package-securing device comprises a housing, a plurality of straps, a plurality of latch retainers, a controller, a keypad, one or more batteries, a sound transducer, a camera, a recharger port, and one or more indicators. The housing may couple to a mounting surface at a residence or a business. A package may be securely delivered to the residence or the business by passing the plurality of straps around the package and then locking the latch plates on each of the plurality of straps into the plurality of latch retainers located on the housing. An attempt to remove the package without first entering a secret code may results in a theft response. In some embodiments, the package-securing device may comprise a dye dispenser.