Secure Package Receptacle with UV-C Sterilization and Digital Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deliveries and returns often face issues such as theft, damage from external factors, and exposure to health risks due to unattended delivery and pickup processes, especially during epidemic situations, where consumers may not be available to receive packages safely.
Innovation Solution
A secure apparatus with digital locking, UV-C sterilization, temperature control, and remote operation, equipped with a refrigeration unit, UV lamps, and a 2-way camera and audio security system for contactless delivery and pickup, allowing for safe storage and navigation to the consumer's address while maintaining social distancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If deliveries are left unattended at the door or other suitable place, then the delivery process can be completed without consumer presence, but the deliveries are subject to theft or damage due to external elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secure receptacle as an intermediary structure between the delivery person and the consumer. This receptacle with digital locking mechanism serves as a mediator that allows delivery to be completed without direct handover while ensuring the package remains secure and protected from theft and environmental damage until the consumer retrieves it.
2Loss of time
If deliveries are left outside for an extended period, then the consumer can pick them up at their convenience, but the deliveries have a greater risk of theft and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The secure receptacle acts as a protective intermediary that enables extended storage of deliveries without exposing them to theft or environmental damage. The digital locking mechanism ensures that even though the package remains outside for extended periods, it is securely contained and can only be accessed by authorized consumers with proper authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-securing the delivery in the locked receptacle immediately upon arrival, rather than leaving it exposed. This preliminary securing action prevents subsequent theft or damage while the consumer prepares to retrieve the package at their convenience.
3Productivity
If consumers directly receive deliveries or come in close contact with delivery persons, then the delivery can be completed efficiently, but the consumer is directly exposed to health risks during epidemic situations
Solution Approach 1:
The secure receptacle serves as a contactless intermediary that eliminates the need for direct interaction between consumers and delivery persons. The delivery person places the package in the receptacle through the interface, and the consumer retrieves it later using digital authentication, thereby maintaining productivity while eliminating health exposure risks during epidemics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical handover system with a digital authentication and locking system. Instead of direct physical transfer from delivery person to consumer, the system uses electronic keys, PIN codes, or biometric authentication to control access to the receptacle, thereby substituting mechanical contact with digital control mechanisms.
4Reliability
If a secure apparatus with digital locking and sterilization features is implemented, then delivery security and sanitization are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secure receptacle is designed as a multi-functional universal device that combines digital locking, UV-C sterilization, temperature control, and camera monitoring capabilities in a single apparatus. This multi-functionality approach improves delivery security and sanitization while managing device complexity by integrating multiple functions into one unified system rather than separate devices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus effectively secures deliveries from theft and damage, ensures sanitization, maintains temperature control, and facilitates contactless transactions, reducing the risk of exposure and stress associated with unattended deliveries and pickups.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus can have position coordinates for navigation to the apparatus
Implementation Method 2
a secure apparatus with digital locking, UV-C sterilization, temperature control
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an apparatus for receiving, stowing, sterilizing, delivery, and pick-up of a package. In one case, the package can be an unattended package which cannot be received by the consumer. In another case, the package can be a package that has to be disinfected first to be received by the consumer. The apparatus comprises a frame and an enclosure mounted in the frame. The enclosure including one or more storage compartments for receiving and stowing the package. The apparatus further comprises a digital locking feature to control access to the enclosure and UV-lamps for disinfection of the package.