Portable Parcel Bag Locking for Secure Doorstep Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for securely receiving parcels at a doorstep while the recipient is away are inadequate, as they often require permanent installations, do not address security concerns, and fail to accommodate various package sizes, leading to inconvenience and potential theft.
Innovation Solution
A portable doorknob lock assembly that uses pre-existing doorknobs or door handles, featuring a one-way locking mechanism and tamper-proof cable or chain, allowing secure delivery and access only to the intended recipient, with optional audible alarms for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent installation is used to secure parcels at the doorstep, then security against theft is improved, but the ability to move and adapt to different locations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The security system is divided into separate components: a portable locking mechanism that can be attached to existing door structures, rather than a permanent fixed installation. This allows the security function to be moved between locations while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to work with various door types and structures (doorknobs, door handles, adjacent structures) without requiring permanent modification to any specific location, making it universally applicable across different residences and temporary locations.
2Strength
If permanent mounting brackets or installation structures are used, then secure attachment is improved, but damage to the door or adjacent vicinity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets and installation structures are removed from the system entirely. Instead of attaching to the door structure, the security device utilizes existing door components (doorknobs, handles) as attachment points, eliminating the need for permanent modifications and associated property damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing door components (doorknobs, handles, adjacent structures) as intermediary attachment points rather than directly mounting to the door structure. This intermediary approach provides secure attachment without requiring permanent installation or causing damage to the door itself.
3Reliability
If a fixed parcel receptacle is installed, then secure storage is improved, but the ability to accommodate various package sizes is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The parcel receptacle transitions from a fixed, static structure to a dynamic, movable bag that can be positioned, resized, and reconfigured. The bag can be adjusted to accommodate different package sizes and can be moved between locations as needed, while the locking mechanism maintains secure storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in the parameters of the parcel receptacle (size, shape, position) by using adjustable and flexible bag configurations rather than a fixed structure. This enables the same security system to adapt to various package dimensions while maintaining secure storage through the locking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is a secure and portable apparatus and is of parcel bag-type receptacle that can be placed for a limited time, outside a front-door or place of access to a mail carrier. The apparatus can be securely connected to a pre-existing doorknob of the front door or pre-existing door handle on or near the front door for a mail carrier to deliver a package, lock up the parcel bag, so that only the resident or authorized recipient can access the parcel upon their return. The locking mechanism in the parcel bag is one-way, thereby, once locked; even the package delivery person will not be able to access the package. The secure storage system neither damages nor requires any permanent alterations to the property structures at or near the front-door. It is portable and can be carried along during one's travel.