Secured Bag Locking System for Package Theft Prevention at Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional package delivery systems are vulnerable to theft as packages can be easily picked up before the homeowner discovers them.

Innovation Solution

A package theft prevention system that includes a bag secured to a building using a locking device, allowing delivery personnel to quickly drop and lock packages inside, utilizing a cinching mechanism that remains locked until the homeowner unlocks it.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If packages are left outside for delivery, then delivery convenience is improved, but theft risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery convenienceVSAvoidtheft risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting package arrival via GPS coordinates, sending notifications to the homeowner, and preparing the locking mechanism before the package is actually delivered. This allows the package to be secured immediately upon delivery without requiring the homeowner to be present, thus maintaining convenience while preventing theft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of GPS tracking, mobile notifications, and an automatic locking mechanism that mediates between the delivery personnel and the package. This intermediary layer ensures the package is accounted for and secured without requiring direct homeowner involvement in the physical delivery process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If packages are secured immediately upon delivery, then theft prevention is improved, but delivery speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheft preventionVSAvoiddelivery speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically detecting package arrival through GPS technology, sending notifications without human intervention, and activating the locking mechanism autonomously. The package is secured immediately upon delivery without requiring the homeowner to physically intervene, thus preventing theft while maintaining delivery speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical securing actions with an automated electronic system using GPS tracking, mobile communications, and electronic locking mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for the homeowner to physically handle or secure the package, maintaining both security and delivery efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a locking mechanism is used to secure packages, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage securityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves multi-functionality by combining GPS tracking, mobile notification, and electronic locking mechanisms into a single integrated device mounted on the door. This universal device performs multiple security functions without requiring separate complex systems, thus improving package security while controlling overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in GPS coordinates to trigger security actions. When the package's GPS location matches the predetermined door location parameters, the system automatically activates the locking mechanism. This parameter-based triggering simplifies the control logic and reduces system complexity while maintaining effective security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the package is locked to the building, then theft risk is reduced, but accessibility for the homeowner decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheft risk reductionVSAvoidhomeowner accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by sending mobile notifications to the homeowner when the package arrives and when it is locked. This feedback loop ensures the homeowner is aware of the package status and can plan their retrieval, maintaining ease of access while the package remains securely locked to prevent theft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is dynamic rather than static - it locks automatically upon package arrival but can be easily unlocked by the homeowner upon receiving notification. This dynamic behavior allows the package to be secured against theft during delivery while remaining accessible to the homeowner when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11412876B1Packaged delivery theft prevention system and method of use

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 KADLUB THOMAS E

AI summary

A theft prevention system for a delivered package includes a bag having a channel surrounding an opening of the bag; a locking device having a cable to be retained in the channel; and a building securing device to secure the bag to a building; the bag is to receive the delivered package; and the locking device is to cinch the bag closed while the locking device is locked.