Parcel drop box
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of home deliveries due to online shopping poses challenges in safely receiving parcels in the absence of the customer, as existing solutions either delay delivery or increase costs, and there is a risk of theft and damage when parcels are left unattended.
Innovation Solution
A parcel drop box with a one-way door mechanism that can be installed indoors or outdoors, secured with a lock, allowing parcels to be safely deposited and retrieved without electricity, while also accommodating letters and outgoing mail, with visible new items from a distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the parcel is left at the door for delivery, then the delivery can be completed without customer presence, but the risk of theft and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into two distinct access points: a secure enclosed space for parcel storage with controlled access, and an open drop zone for convenient parcel deposition. This segmentation allows the parcel to be safely stored when the customer is absent while maintaining security through the enclosed structure with door and lock mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure acts as an intermediary structure between the courier and the customer. It provides a secure intermediate storage space where parcels can be deposited and retrieved safely, eliminating the need for direct handover while preventing unauthorized access through its locked door mechanism.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a secure enclosed space is provided for parcel storage, then theft and damage are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flaps are designed to be dynamically movable rather than fixed, allowing them to pivot between horizontal and vertical positions. This dynamic design enables the flaps to automatically cover or expose the opening based on their position, providing security when needed while allowing easy access when the lid is lifted, thus reducing the need for complex locking mechanisms on the flaps themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid and flaps are designed to work together in a self-service mechanism where lifting the lid automatically causes the flaps to pivot upward through cord connection, and releasing the lid causes them to return to horizontal position. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for separate motors or complex control systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a lid is added to cover the opening, then security is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flaps are designed as dynamic elements that automatically change position based on lid state. When the lid is lifted, the flaps pivot upward to allow parcel insertion; when the lid is released, they return to horizontal position to seal the opening. This dynamic behavior provides both security and ease of operation without requiring complex controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The cords act as intermediary elements that transmit the motion from the lid to the flaps. When the lid is lifted, the cords pull the flaps upward; when the lid is released, the cords allow the flaps to return to their original position. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the connection between the lid and flaps while maintaining the desired functionality.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If flaps are used to cover the opening, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flaps are designed as simple hinged elements that pivot between two positions (horizontal and vertical) rather than complex movable structures. This dynamic but simple design allows them to effectively cover or expose the opening based on their position, providing security functionality without adding significant complexity to the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps are self-actuating elements that automatically change position in response to lid movement through the cord connection. They do not require separate motors, actuators, or control systems, making them a simple yet effective solution for opening protection that minimizes overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A parcel drop box for receiving a parcel in the presence or absence of a receiver of the parcel. The parcel drop box includes a cuboidal enclosure with an open-top. A lid pivotally covers the open-top and can be lifted for gaining access into the interior of the enclosure. A pair of flaps coupled inside the enclosure to the sidewalls and just below a periphery of the open-top. The flaps can pivot between a horizontal position and a downward vertical position. The lid is coupled to the pair of flaps, such as pivoting of the lid results in pivoting of the flaps. Opening of the lid results in pivoting of the flaps to a horizontal position which restricts the access to the interior of the enclosure from the open-top i.e., the pair of flaps substantially cover the open-top when in the horizontal position.