Secure Food Delivery Container with Hook Hanging and Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food delivery containers lack a self-locking mechanism to secure the contents after placement, and there is a need for a design that allows hanging from a door for access by delivery personnel while preventing unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A secure food delivery container with a hinged locking lid mechanism, hook members for hanging, and a locking mechanism with a key lock or key pad, featuring a note box for delivery instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-locking mechanism is added to secure food after placement, then security and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: hook members for suspension, a hinged lid mechanism for closure, and a separate locking assembly with key lock or keypad. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving reliable food security while keeping individual components simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed to be self-securing through the hinged lid mechanism that automatically engages with the locking assembly when closed. The hook members automatically suspend the container when engaged with the door structure, eliminating the need for manual locking operations and reducing operational complexity.
2Ease of operation
If hook members are added to hang the container on a door, then accessibility for delivery personnel improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hanging function is extracted as a separate feature through the hook members, which are distinct from the locking and insulation components. This allows the container to be suspended independently on door structures without complicating the core food storage and security functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook members serve multiple purposes: they enable suspension of the container on delivery doors, provide a means for the container to be easily retrieved by delivery personnel, and can potentially serve as attachment points for additional security features. This multi-functionality improves accessibility without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism with key lock or keypad is implemented, then access control security improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is implemented locally at the lid closure point, where it is most needed for security. The key lock or keypad is integrated into the locking assembly rather than being a separate system, concentrating the security function in one location and reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent offers alternative locking implementations including simple key locks or keypads that are more economical than electronic locking systems. These simpler mechanisms provide adequate access control security at lower manufacturing and maintenance costs, allowing the container to be produced more economically while still preventing unauthorized access.
4Temperature
If insulation material is added to maintain temperature, then food quality preservation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container utilizes composite construction with an outer shell and inner liner separated by insulation material. This composite structure combines different materials (outer shell for structural integrity, insulation layer for thermal protection, inner liner for food contact safety) to achieve temperature stability while keeping each layer relatively simple in design and manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A secure food delivery container including a container assembly, a locking assembly and a hook assembly. The container assembly includes a rectangular insulated container with a hingedly attached lid. The hingedly attached lid is configured to close the container. The locking assembly includes a locking mechanism. The hook assembly includes a hook member. The hook member protrudes upward from the container. The hook member is operated to hang the container from the top of a door. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the lid with the container in a closed configuration.