Parcel Collection Container With Fill-Level Blocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collection containers for parcels and postal items often lead to inefficient use of space, damage to objects during insertion, and continued attempts to fill containers that are already full, due to the design of the acceptance device which does not prevent access to already stored items.
Innovation Solution
A collection container with a filling level indicator and a collecting device that automatically blocks further insertion when full, utilizing a roller blind box and a catching mechanism to prevent damage and optimize space usage by allowing objects to be caught higher up and preventing them from falling to the bottom, thus ensuring the container is not filled beyond capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the acceptance device allows continuous insertion of objects, then the container can be filled efficiently, but objects may be damaged when thrown in and users may continue inserting objects even when the container is full
Solution Approach 1:
The collecting device is positioned in advance at an upper starting position to catch objects before they fall to the bottom. This preliminary positioning prevents damage by intercepting objects during their descent, allowing continuous insertion without compromising object integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collecting device acts as an intermediary element between the insertion opening and the storage space bottom. It catches falling objects and prevents them from impacting the bottom directly, thus mediating the harmful effect of object insertion while maintaining continuous filling capability.
2Ease of operation
If packages are allowed to pile up directly below the drop-in flap, then insertion is simple, but the available interior space of the container is not sufficiently utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The collecting device is designed to be vertically movable rather than fixed. It automatically lowers as objects accumulate, dynamically adapting its position to maintain the ability to catch objects while preventing them from piling up directly below the flap. This dynamic adjustment ensures both easy insertion and optimal space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The collecting device automatically responds to the accumulation of objects by lowering itself through vertical movement. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention to redistribute objects, maintaining insertion simplicity while optimizing space usage as the container fills.
3Device complexity
If no filling level indication is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but users cannot recognize when the container is full and may continue attempting insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The filling level indicator uses color changes (green to red) to communicate the container's filling status to users. This visual feedback system provides clear information about available capacity without requiring complex mechanical or electronic structures, maintaining simplicity while preventing information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through the filling level indicator that continuously communicates the container's status to users. This feedback mechanism prevents users from attempting to insert objects into a full container by clearly indicating when capacity is reached, without adding significant structural complexity.
4Reliability
If the acceptance device prevents access to stored items, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security function is merged with the existing acceptance device structure rather than being implemented as a separate system. The acceptance device is designed to automatically close or block access when objects are inserted, combining the security function with the insertion mechanism to minimize additional complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(c)~3(d)
AI summary
The invention relates to a collecting container with an insertion opening (11) for the insertion of objects (20) on the front side (12) of the collecting container (10) and with a removal opening (15). A receiving device is arranged within the insertion opening (11) for receiving the objects and for conveying the objects into a storage space (14) of the collecting container (10). The receiving device is movable between at least two operating states, wherein, in a first operating state, the receiving device permits an object to be received into the receiving device while the access from the receiving device to the storage space (14) is prevented. In a second operating state, it is not possible for an object to be received into the receiving device while the access from the receiving device to the storage space (14) is open. The invention is distinguished in that there is a device for measuring the filling level in the storage space (14), said device being connected to a blocking means which blocks an opening of the receiving device when a defined filling level of the storage space (14) is reached.