Apparatus and system for receiving and delivering parcels from a drone
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Drones delivering parcels face issues such as theft, tampering, and damage due to exposure to precipitation, and cannot access the interior of buildings like condominiums and commercial buildings for secure delivery.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and system featuring a storage compartment with a movable barrier and landing platform, equipped with scanners for parcel identification, that securely receives parcels from drones and notifies recipients, providing protection and centralized delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If drones place parcels on property for delivery, then delivery can be completed, but parcels are exposed to theft, tampering, or precipitation damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secure storage compartment as an intermediary structure between the drone and the final recipient. The compartment with barrier mechanisms serves as a protected intermediate storage point where parcels are transferred from the drone and held securely until authorized retrieval, eliminating direct exposure to theft and environmental damage while maintaining delivery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system is segmented into distinct functional zones: an external aperture for drone access, a protected interior storage compartment, and a controlled access mechanism. This segmentation allows the parcel to be separated from the vulnerable external environment and placed in a secure intermediate zone, resolving the contradiction between delivery speed and security
2Productivity
If drones deliver to residences, then parcel delivery is achieved, but condominiums and apartment buildings cannot accept delivery as drones cannot access interior
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment apparatus is designed with universal adaptability to serve multiple building types including condominiums, apartment buildings, and commercial structures. The standardized aperture and barrier mechanism can be integrated into various building facades, allowing drones to deliver to any building type without requiring interior access, thus achieving both delivery capability and building type versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The external storage compartment acts as an intermediary delivery point that eliminates the need for drone access to building interiors. By providing secure external storage with controlled access mechanisms, the system enables parcel delivery to multi-unit buildings without requiring the drone to penetrate building security systems or access restricted interior spaces
3Reliability
If a barrier is added to close the aperture for security, then parcel protection is improved, but access control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier mechanism is designed to operate automatically through self-service principles. The barrier receives actuation signals and moves between open and closed positions autonomously based on predefined conditions such as drone arrival detection or authorized user proximity, minimizing the need for complex manual control systems while maintaining high security standards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical access control systems with electronic or sensor-based actuation mechanisms. The barrier is controlled through electronic signals that trigger motorized or pneumatic actuators, simplifying the control interface while enhancing security through programmable access protocols and integration with building management systems
4Adaptability or versatility
If a landing platform is made movable to position near the aperture, then drone reception is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The landing platform transitions from a static structure to a dynamic, movable component that can adjust its position relative to the aperture. This dynamic positioning capability allows the platform to extend outward to receive drones and then retract to secure the parcel, enabling drone reception functionality while managing structural complexity through controlled movement rather than permanent extension
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and system for receiving parcels from a drone is provided. The apparatus comprises: a storage compartment having a housing defining an aperture for receiving a drone and a parcel. A barrier is mounted to a track, the track mounted on an uppermost portion of the housing. The barrier is configured to move to a first barrier position for closing the aperture restricting access to an interior of the storage compartment, and to a second barrier position for opening the aperture to provide access to the interior of the storage compartment. A landing platform is defined by the housing, the landing platform configured to move to a first platform position proximate to the aperture or to a second platform position away from the aperture. An actuator is provided to move the landing platform to the first platform position or the second platform position.