Securable Delivery Container with Electronic Unlocking Instruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery containers lack a mechanism to securely position and electronically communicate the unlocking instruction for a lockable lidded box, ensuring the article is secured until the intended recipient receives it.
Innovation Solution
A lockable delivery container with a hinged lid and a locking unit that requires an electronically communicable instruction for unlocking, allowing secure delivery and access only to the intended recipient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lockable lidded box is used to secure an article during delivery, then the security of the article is improved, but the mechanism for controlling access becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic instruction as an intermediary between the sender and recipient to control the locking mechanism. The locking unit requires a specific electronic instruction (code, password, or digital signal) to unlock, acting as a mediator that ensures only authorized recipients can access the article while maintaining system security without excessive mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-lock systems with an electronic control mechanism. The locking unit responds to electronic instructions rather than physical keys, substituting mechanical access control with an electronic system that can be communicated digitally between sender and recipient, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or enhancing security
2Reliability
If an electronically communicable instruction is required to unlock the lid, then the control over access is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the recipient can independently unlock the container using the electronically communicated instruction. The locking unit is designed to respond automatically to the correct electronic instruction without requiring manual intervention from the sender or assistance from third parties, making the unlocking process as simple as entering a code or receiving a digital signal
Solution Approach 2:
The sender performs the preliminary action of generating and communicating the unlocking instruction to the recipient before delivery. This advance preparation ensures that when the recipient receives the container, they already have the necessary information to unlock it, simplifying the actual unlocking operation at the point of delivery
Data Source
AI summary
A securable delivery container device for securing an article during delivery from a sender to a recipient includes a box, which has a top that is open for insertion of an article. A lid hingedly engaged to the box is positioned to selectively close the top. A locking unit, which is engaged to one of the box and the lid, is selectively engageable to the other of the box and the lid when the lid is positioned in a closed configuration. The lid thus is locked to the box. The locking unit requires an instruction to unlock the lid from the box. The instruction is electronically communicable between a sender and an intended recipient of the article. The locking unit secures the article within an interior space defined by the box until delivered to the intended recipient and execution of the instruction.