Package securing system and method for use with autonomous vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing problem of package theft, known as 'porch-pirating,' where unattended packages are stolen from homes and businesses, resulting in significant annual losses for both consumers and businesses, with existing solutions failing to provide effective security.
Innovation Solution
A package securing system comprising a package receptacle with an access door and a web-enabled control system, including a microcontroller, camera, securing tether actuator, and memory, which creates a digital tag image of a package tag, communicates with a remote data processing resource for authorization, and uses a securing tether to open and close the access door, ensuring secure insertion and retrieval of packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If packages are left unattended outside for delivery, then delivery convenience is improved, but package security deteriorates due to porch-pirating theft
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the delivery process into secure phases: authorized delivery to a controlled receptacle, isolated storage, and authenticated retrieval. The package receptacle creates a segmented secure zone that separates the package from public access while maintaining delivery convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The package receptacle acts as an intermediary between the delivery service and the recipient. It provides a controlled medium that receives packages securely and releases them only through authenticated access, eliminating the need for direct hand-to-hand delivery while preventing theft.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a secure package receptacle with access control is implemented, then package security is improved, but device complexity increases due to control systems and authentication mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The package receptacle system performs self-service authentication and access control functions. The control system automatically verifies credentials, manages the access door, and secures packages without requiring manual intervention from security personnel or complex external systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The package receptacle serves multiple functions: secure storage, authenticated access control, package protection, and delivery coordination. By consolidating these functions into a single device, the system reduces overall complexity compared to using separate systems for each function.
3Productivity
If an autonomous vehicle with web-enabled control system is used for package delivery, then delivery efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to navigation and communication systems
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle merges navigation, communication, and package delivery functions into a single integrated system. The web-enabled control system coordinates vehicle operations with package receptacle access, combining multiple complex functions into a unified delivery platform that improves overall efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates a package securing system comprising a package receptacle having an access door, a web-enabled control system, and a securing tether that is attached to the access door. The securing tether is operationally related to the securing tether actuator and repositions the access door in an open or a closed position. Upon receipt of an authorization, the access door transitions to the open position, by way of the securing tether. The open position allows the package to be inserted or removed from the package receptacle. The package is secured by transitioning the access door to the closed position, by way of the securing tether, after the package has been inserted into the package receptacle. An autonomous vehicle equipped with a vehicle web-enabled control system can make package pickups and deliveries. The autonomous vehicle can be a car, truck, drone, or other autonomous vehicles.