Extendable and retractable parcel receiving apparatus for delivery drones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for drone delivery in multi-storey buildings face issues such as theft, damage, aesthetic concerns, and hazards like bird nesting and ice formation due to permanent fixed platforms, which are not feasible for structures like glass curtain wall buildings.
Innovation Solution
An extendable and retractable docking platform and parcel receptacle apparatus with sliding and electro-mechanical means, mounted in a building's wall aperture, allowing the platform to extend for delivery and retract for secure collection, featuring telescopic panels, sliding rail and roller members, electric motor-driven linear drives, and a secure lockable receptacle, coordinated by wireless signals for secure and concealed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a permanent fixed platform is installed for drone delivery, then delivery functionality is provided, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed to be retractable rather than fixed, allowing it to extend horizontally for drone delivery operations and then retract vertically into the building facade. This dynamic transformation enables the platform to provide delivery functionality when needed while maintaining aesthetic appearance when retracted, resolving the contradiction between productivity and shape.
2Productivity
If a permanent fixed platform is installed for drone delivery, then delivery functionality is provided, but security against theft and unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable design eliminates permanent external structures that could be used for unauthorized access or theft. The platform only extends temporarily during authorized delivery operations and retracts to a concealed position within the building, removing potential security vulnerabilities associated with fixed external platforms.
3Shape
If a retractable platform is installed to maintain aesthetics, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform system is divided into discrete functional components including the retractable platform structure, electro-mechanical drive system, control system, and integration interface with building facade. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates maintenance while managing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical retractable mechanisms are replaced with electro-mechanical systems including motors, rails, and electronic controls. This substitution provides smoother operation, easier control, and reduced mechanical wear while managing complexity through electronic control systems.
4Productivity
If the platform is made extendable for delivery operations, then delivery capability is improved, but structural strength requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic retractable structure that extends only when needed for delivery. This dynamic behavior reduces the requirement for continuous structural support, allowing the structure to be optimized for temporary load-bearing during extension rather than permanent support.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe, secure, and aesthetically concealed parcel delivery to multi-storey buildings, preventing unauthorized access and withstanding high winds, while allowing for concealed installation even on glass curtain wall buildings, ensuring efficient and secure drone operation.
Implementation Method 1
the electro-mechanical means to extend and retract the one or more panels and to any position there between includes one or more electric motor driven linear drives
Implementation Method 2
the electro-mechanical means to extend and retract the one or more panels and to any position there between includes an electrically driven rack and pinion mechanism
Implementation Method 3
the sliding means comprises a pair of sliding rail and roller members disposed substantially on opposite sides of the one or more panels
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable docking platform and parcel receptacle apparatus for delivery drones, including one or more telescopic sliding platform panels; adapted to slide between an extended position and a retracted position wherein in operation, a parcel can be delivered by a drone to the extended platform and on completion of delivery, the platform and parcel are retracted into the building for collection from a secure receptacle. The operation can be coordinated through a wireless system via remote signals sent by the drone and/or a drone operation center which also records addresser and addressee details and information including time of delivery, mass and scanned information to verify delivery. The platform can also communicate with the drone to verify its identity for secure delivery. The platform may send delivery confirmation to the customer receiving a parcel.