Secure package delivery container and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secure package delivery containers require credentials for locking and unlocking, posing challenges for delivery personnel with multiple deliveries and safety hazards due to automatic locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A secure package delivery container that can be locked and unlocked without credentials, featuring a user-engageable locking device with a lock activation device that allows remote operation and communication of the container's status, including a communications device for notification and object presence detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic locking mechanism is used to secure packages without credentials, then security is improved, but safety hazard increases due to potential accidental locking of children
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection to determine if a package is present in the container before enabling the locking mechanism. This preliminary action prevents accidental locking by ensuring the lock only engages when a package is actually inside, thereby maintaining security while eliminating the safety hazard to children
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect package presence and provides feedback to the control mechanism. This feedback loop ensures the locking mechanism only activates when a package is detected, creating a self-regulating system that maintains security without posing safety risks
2Reliability
If unique access codes are required for each container, then security is improved, but delivery efficiency deteriorates due to increased time for credential input
Solution Approach 1:
The container performs self-verification by detecting the presence of a package and automatically managing its own locking state. This eliminates the need for delivery personnel to input credentials, as the system serves itself by detecting package presence and enabling locking without human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical credential input system (keys, codes) with an automated sensor-based detection system. The sensors detect package presence and trigger the locking mechanism electronically, substituting manual credential verification with automatic detection and control
3Loss of information
If container must be opened to check for package delivery, then delivery confirmation is achieved, but time is lost due to repeated opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously monitor the container interior and provide real-time feedback about package presence. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need to open the container to check for deliveries, as the system automatically detects and reports package arrival status
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices that detect package presence without requiring physical access to the container contents. These sensors act as mediators between the package and the user, providing information about delivery status without the need to open the container
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a secure package delivery container for receiving an article that does not require credentials to be input by the delivery person. The storage container comprises a container having a door secured by a user engageable locking device operable to be locked without credentials and upon input from the user. A lock activation device is operatively coupled to the user engageable locking device for receiving input from the user. A communications device is provided to communicate with an external device to report the state of the container, activation of the lock, and to receive instructions to lock or unlock the container. A sensing device is provided for identifying the presence of an object in the container. Additionally, sensors are provided to determine the location of container and the presence of delivery personnel. A user engageable opening device is provided to open or close the door when the user engageable locking device is in an unlocked state.