Protected delivery receptacle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current package delivery systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), face challenges in ensuring secure and protected receipt of packages, particularly from theft and exposure to inclement weather, with existing solutions being limited in interfacing with delivery drones and prone to false positives and negatives.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned vehicle receptacle (UAV receptacle) with a water-protected interior and a reception tray that extends horizontally to receive packages from drones, locking them in for security, and communicating with drones and user devices to confirm delivery and notify recipients, while optionally connecting to an expansion container for multiple packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packages are left at the place of delivery without signature, then delivery speed is improved, but security against theft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A locked receptacle serves as an intermediary secure storage point between the delivery vehicle and the recipient. The receptacle receives packages securely, maintains them in a protected state, and releases them only to authorized recipients through code entry, thus enabling fast delivery while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle enables self-service delivery by allowing recipients to retrieve their own packages using a code, eliminating the need for signature confirmation or manual handover while maintaining security through the locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If locked delivery boxes are used to prevent theft, then security is improved, but protection from inclement weather deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated receptacle: security (through locking mechanism) and weather protection (through enclosed structure with door). The receptacle simultaneously provides both theft prevention and environmental protection without compromising either function.
3Ease of operation
If reception tray extends horizontally to receive packages, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reception tray transitions from a static to a dynamic component, extending horizontally when needed to receive packages and retracting when not in use. This dynamic behavior enables the tray to adapt its configuration to operational needs while maintaining a compact form when extended functionality is not required.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the delivery and secure receipt of packages from unmanned vehicles to improve security and protection of the packages upon delivery. A UAV receptacle provides a water-protected interior to protect a package. The UAV receptacle includes a door in one side that allows a reception tray to extend out and back in, and which locks to protect the package so received. The UAV receptacle detects a drone in proximity. Upon confirming that delivery is for the UAV receptacle, the reception tray extends to a reception position. A sensor detects the package on the reception tray upon delivery from the drone. The reception tray is of a mesh material to reduce water retention. The UAV receptacle retracts the reception tray and closes a door to seal the package within the UAV receptacle. The UAV receptacle may notify user devices that the package has been received.