Secure Package Deposit Box with Proximity-Based Lock and Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mail and package delivery systems lack secure access mechanisms and tracking capabilities for deposited items, leaving sensitive data unattended in unsecured public mailboxes and failing to verify if items are properly deposited in mailboxes or other receptacles.

Innovation Solution

A secure delivery system featuring a deposit box with a lock mechanism operated by proximity sensors, allowing authorized access by delivery personnel and users, and a tracking system using proximity sensors and transmitters to monitor item deposition and status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If public access mailboxes are used for delivery, then delivery accessibility is improved, but security of deposited items deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery accessibilityVSAvoidsecurity of deposited items
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments access control by implementing proximity sensors that distinguish between authorized delivery personnel and unauthorized public users. The lock mechanism is divided into controlled segments that only engage or disengage based on authorized proximity detection, allowing public mailboxes to remain accessible for delivery while maintaining security through segmented access control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The proximity sensor acts as an intermediary between the delivery personnel and the lock mechanism. It detects the presence of authorized individuals and translates this into control signals for the lock, enabling secure access without physical keys or complex authentication while maintaining public accessibility for legitimate deliveries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If tracking systems are implemented to monitor item deposition, then delivery verification is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery verificationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service tracking where the proximity sensors and lock mechanism automatically record and report deposition events without requiring manual intervention. The sensors detect when items are placed in the mailbox and automatically generate verification data, eliminating the need for complex manual tracking systems while maintaining precise delivery verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical tracking systems with electronic proximity sensing and automated reporting. Instead of manual verification processes, the system uses electronic sensors to detect item deposition and automatically transmits verification data, significantly reducing system complexity while improving measurement precision for delivery verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If lock mechanisms are added to mailboxes, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidaccess convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based locking systems with proximity sensor-activated electronic locks. Authorized delivery personnel simply need to approach the mailbox within detection range, and the lock automatically disengages, eliminating the need for physical keys or complex authentication mechanisms while maintaining strong security control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock mechanism operates autonomously by detecting the proximity of authorized personnel and automatically engaging or disengaging without requiring manual intervention. This self-service operation maintains high security through automated access control while preserving ease of operation for authorized users who simply need to approach the mailbox.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10512353B2Integrated package and mail delivery security system
Publication Date: 2019.12.24 IMDSS SOLUTIONS LLC
  • US10512353B2 patent drawing
  • US10512353B2 patent drawing
  • US10512353B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for securely depositing an item includes: a deposit box with a door configured to provide selective access to an interior space in the deposit box; a lock mechanism configured to attach to the deposit box to selectively block the door from opening; a first proximity sensor operatively connected to the lock mechanism to operate the lock mechanism to block the door or allow the door to open; a second proximity sensor configured to be attached to at least one of: a delivery person and a piece of delivery equipment; a third proximity sensor; and a first transmitter operatively connected to the lock mechanism and configured to transmit a signal indicative of operating information regarding the lock mechanism, and wherein the deposit box is at least 18 inches wide and 24 inches long.