Package securing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package delivery systems lack a secure means for recipients to receive packages, as they often require large delivery windows and do not provide a feasible way for homeowners to securely store packages, leading to concerns about theft, especially during peak seasons.
Innovation Solution
A package securing system that includes a lock with a scanner for unlocking using machine-readable data, a controller for data manipulation and transmission, a position sensor for lock status detection, and connectivity to a WiFi router, integrated with a software application and server for secure package delivery and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock requiring key or combination is used to secure packages, then security against theft is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to provide keys/combinations to delivery organizations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking systems (keys and combinations) with an electronic scanning system that uses optical/electromagnetic fields. The lock mechanism is substituted with an electronic controller that accepts machine-readable data input, eliminating the need for physical key exchange while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces machine-readable data (barcode or QR code) as an intermediary between the delivery organization and the locking system. This intermediary carries the unlocking information without requiring direct physical access or key exchange, enabling secure automated operation.
2Productivity
If delivery organizations provide large time windows for package delivery, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates as packages are left unsecured when recipients are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the locking system with the recipient's machine-readable data before delivery arrives. The container is prepared in advance with the ability to automatically authenticate and lock the package, eliminating the need for recipient presence during delivery while maintaining security throughout the extended delivery window.
3Reliability
If existing secure receiving containers with locks are used, then security is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirement for key management and combination systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex key and combination management functions from the locking system, leaving only the essential security function. The unlocking mechanism is simplified to accept external machine-readable data input, removing the need for internal key storage, combination memorization, or physical key exchange infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A package securing system operable to facilitate the ability for an individual expecting to receive a package to provide and control a secure environment for receiving the package wherein the individual can execute the security protocols remotely. The package securing system further includes a lock having a body, a shank with keeper operably secured thereto, a solenoid with piston, a scanner and a controller. The controller provides operation of the lock and is operably coupled to the Internet via a wireless communication protocol. The controller is communicably coupled to a software application wherein the software application provide an interface for operation of the package securing system. The lock is unlocked and locked utilizing a machine-readable dataset wherein the machine-readable dataset is associated with an expected package and communicated to the controller via the software application. A server is provided to execute portions of the operational method of the present invention.