Proximity-Sensor Lock for Secure Package Deposit Box Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mail and package delivery systems lack secure access control and tracking mechanisms, leaving sensitive items unattended in unsecured public mailboxes, which are vulnerable to theft and do not effectively verify if items are deposited in the intended receptacle.
Innovation Solution
A secure delivery system featuring a deposit box with a lock mechanism operated by proximity sensors, allowing authorized delivery personnel and users to access the box using registered sensors, and a tracking system that monitors the status of the box and items via communication with a server, ensuring secure and verified delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If public access mailboxes are used for delivery, then delivery accessibility is improved, but security of deposited items deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based locking systems with electronic proximity sensor-based locking mechanisms. The lock mechanism uses proximity sensors to detect authorized devices and automatically locks or unlocks the mailbox, eliminating the need for physical keys while maintaining security. This substitution enables both public accessibility and secure controlled access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces proximity sensors and a control system as intermediaries between the user and the mailbox locking mechanism. These sensors detect authorized users approaching the mailbox and trigger the lock mechanism accordingly, serving as a mediator that enables secure automatic locking without requiring direct user interaction with physical locks or keys.
2Measurement precision
If tracking systems are added to monitor deposit status, then delivery verification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service tracking system where the mailbox automatically detects and reports its own lock status and deposit verification information. The proximity sensors and control system continuously monitor whether the mailbox is locked and whether items have been deposited, then automatically transmit this information to the server without requiring manual intervention or complex external monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the proximity sensor system serve multiple functions: it acts as both an access control mechanism (locking/unlocking the mailbox) and a tracking device (monitoring lock status and deposit verification). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated tracking hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining precise delivery verification.
3Reliability
If lock mechanism with proximity sensors is implemented, then access security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual key-based locking with automatic proximity sensor-based locking. Users simply need to approach the mailbox with their authorized device, and the system automatically detects them and unlocks the mailbox. This eliminates the need for users to manually operate locks, insert keys, or perform complex authentication steps, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving access security.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for securely depositing an item includes: a deposit box with a door configured to provide selective access to an interior space in the deposit box; a lock mechanism configured to attach to the deposit box to selectively block the door from opening; a first proximity sensor operatively connected to the lock mechanism to operate the lock mechanism to block the door or allow the door to open; a second proximity sensor configured to be attached to at least one of: a delivery person and a piece of delivery equipment; a third proximity sensor; and a first transmitter operatively connected to the lock mechanism and configured to transmit a signal indicative of operating information regarding the lock mechanism, and wherein the deposit box is at least 18 inches wide and 24 inches long.