Secure parcel delivery receptacle system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parcel delivery systems lack a secure and efficient way to prevent parcel theft, as they do not incorporate a locking hinged lid with LED lights and digital displays for secure access and notification.
Innovation Solution
A secure parcel delivery receptacle system featuring a box-shaped container with a locking hinged lid, LED lights, a digital display, and a handle, which can be electronically locked and unlocked using a passcode or mobile device, and is securely fastened to the ground surface to prevent theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional open parcel receptacle is used, then it is simple and inexpensive, but parcels are vulnerable to theft and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is divided into a fixed base and a hinged lid that can be independently secured. The lid assembly is segmented from the base, allowing the locking mechanism to specifically secure only the lid portion, thereby protecting parcels while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is pre-positioned and permanently secured to the ground surface before use. The mounting holes and bolts are installed in advance to anchor the receptacle, preventing theft of the entire unit while allowing convenient parcel deposition.
2Reliability
If a permanently anchored receptacle is used, then theft of the receptacle is prevented, but the receptacle cannot be relocated or moved
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is designed with a separable structure where the lid is hinged to the base. The mounting anchors only secure the base to the ground, leaving the lid free to hinge open for parcel access. This segmentation allows permanent anchoring for theft prevention while maintaining functional accessibility.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the lid, then parcel access is controlled, but the device becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is localized to only the lid assembly rather than the entire receptacle. The lock engages specifically with the hinged lid to secure parcels, while the base remains simple and anchored. This local application of complexity provides access control without overwhelming system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged lid design allows the user to easily open and close it without requiring complex electronic locks or keys. The mechanical hinge provides natural movement and positioning, with the locking mechanism simply needing to hold the lid in either open or closed position, thereby simplifying the overall locking system.
4Reliability
If mounting holes and bolts are used to secure the receptacle, then the receptacle is firmly anchored, but installation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting holes are pre-formed in the base of the receptacle during manufacturing. The base is produced with ready-to-use mounting apertures that align with standard anchor positions, allowing installers to simply insert and secure bolts without complex drilling or alignment procedures during installation.
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 system effectively prevents parcel theft by providing secure access, easy user interaction, and notification of parcel presence or unauthorized attempts, while being cost-effective and easy to maintain.
Implementation Method 1
LED lights positioned on the corners of the lid
Data Source
AI summary
A secure parcel receptacle system includes a box-shaped container having a locking and hinged lid with LED lights positioned on the corners of the lid. Additionally, the lid includes a digital display on the front edge and a handle. The interior of the container includes a plurality of mounting holes in the floor panel. The holes receive a screw or a bolt to effectively couple the receptacle to a ground surface in front of a user's house. Additionally, the digital display of the front edge of the receptacle may serve as a digital bar code which effectively locks and unlocks the hinged lid. In one embodiment, the hinged lid is unlocked when a user inserts a code into the digital bar.