Secure Delivery Receptacles With Temperature-Controlled Package Storage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing delivery receptacles lack security features, are unsuitable for long-term storage of perishable items, and do not provide real-time notifications to recipients, leading to issues like theft, damage, and spoilage.

Innovation Solution

A delivery system with multiple temperature-controlled compartments and integrated security features, including QR code access, image capturing, and drone delivery, ensuring secure and timely delivery of packages and perishable goods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If items are left at the doorstep for delivery, then delivery convenience is improved, but security and protection from theft or damage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery convenienceVSAvoidsecurity and protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery system is divided into multiple independent components: a delivery receptacle with secure locking mechanism, a mobile device with communication capabilities, and a server for coordination. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function securely, with the locking mechanism protecting the receptacle while the mobile device handles communication without compromising security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary locking mechanism and communication system between the delivery personnel and the recipient. The locking mechanism acts as a physical intermediary that secures the package, while the mobile device with unique code serves as a communication intermediary that authenticates the recipient without requiring direct hand-to-hand transfer, thus improving both security and convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If existing delivery receptacles are used, then package delivery is simplified, but security features and real-time notification capabilities are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage delivery simplicityVSAvoidsecurity features and notification
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated delivery receptacle system: secure locking mechanism, temperature control for perishables, image capturing unit for verification, and communication interface for real-time notifications. This combination ensures that simplicity of delivery is maintained while comprehensive security and notification features are provided through integration rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery receptacle is designed with multi-functionality to handle various delivery scenarios: it can secure packages, control temperature for perishable items, capture images for verification, and provide real-time notifications. This universal design allows a single receptacle to address multiple needs (security, temperature control, verification, notification) that were previously handled by separate systems, thereby improving reliability without complicating the delivery process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If delivery receptacles are designed for specific goods, then storage suitability is improved, but adaptability for different types of goods deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage suitabilityVSAvoidreceptacle design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery receptacle incorporates dynamic features including a movable locking mechanism that can be remotely controlled, adjustable temperature control for different perishable items, and a flexible communication interface that accepts various authentication methods. These dynamic elements allow the same receptacle to adapt to different delivery scenarios (packages, perishables, medications) without requiring separate specialized designs, thus improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250225471A1Delivery system and method of securely delivering a package
Publication Date: 2025.07.10 WARNER MATTHEW
  • US20250225471A1 patent drawing
  • US20250225471A1 patent drawing
  • US20250225471A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Delivery system and method for securely delivering a package including housings or storage units positioned at a wall, door, or a roof of a structure. The delivery system includes a hatch operatively connected to the storage units. The delivery system includes sensors configured to detect presence of a package in the storage units. The delivery system includes a controller operatively connected to the storage units, the hatch, and the sensors. The controller detects the presence of a delivery device that is configured to carry the packages for delivery into the storage units. The delivery device includes a drone, or an electronic device operated by a delivery agent. The controller verifies the delivery device and opens the hatch to provide access for the delivery device to place the package in the storage units. The controller notifies and authenticates a user to provide access to retrieve the packages from the storage units.