Secure package receptacle for receiving drone deliveries
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing problem of parcel theft and fraud due to the rise in e-commerce deliveries, coupled with the inefficiencies and security concerns of conventional delivery methods, particularly with the potential for drone deliveries to exacerbate theft issues, necessitates a secure and automated solution for package receptacles.
Innovation Solution
A package receptacle with a retractable top and integrated drive system, controlled by a wireless network transceiver and powered by a battery, which can be opened and closed securely using a pre-shared key, ensuring only authorized deliveries can access the interior and providing evidence of delivery through photography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock box is used for receiving deliveries, then package security is improved, but subsequent deliveries cannot be locked in as the box is already locked
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is made movable between locked and unlocked positions, allowing the box to dynamically adapt between securing packages and accepting new deliveries. The drive system enables the lid to transition between states based on delivery needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The box serves multiple functions: it can lock packages for security, open to receive new deliveries, and provide verification photography. The single box structure handles both security and multi-delivery reception through controlled lid movement.
2Productivity
If drone deliveries are used, then delivery capacity and efficiency are improved, but package theft risk increases as thieves can follow drones to destinations
Solution Approach 1:
The secure box acts as an intermediary between the drone and the final package storage. The drone delivers to the box rather than directly to a vulnerable location, and the box provides secured storage that prevents theft even if thieves locate the delivery point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harm of drones making theft easier into a benefit by using the box as a secured receiving point. The controlled lid opening and closing, combined with photography verification, creates a secure handoff point that actually reduces theft risk despite the drone's predictable delivery pattern.
3Ease of operation
If a standardized delivery box is provided at residence, then delivery efficiency is improved, but theft prevention is insufficient without active monitoring and control
Solution Approach 1:
The photography system provides feedback verification that a package has been successfully placed in the box. This creates a record that can confirm delivery and prevent fraudulent claims, enhancing both security and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The box autonomously opens and closes the lid through the drive system based on delivery needs, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains security while enabling efficient deliveries.
Data Source
AI summary
A postal and package receptacle includes a main body that has an open top and a lid over the top that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The lid is moved from the open to the closed position upon receiving an open command via a wireless communication, whereupon a package can be placed in the interior of the main body. After a package is placed in the interior of the main body, the lid can be closed. A drone can be programmed to deliver a package to the postal and package receptacle and upon arriving at the location of the postal and package receptacle, the drone can communicate with the postal and package receptacle to issue the open and close commands, accordingly.