Selectively securable container apparatus and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing trend of home package delivery has led to security issues such as 'porch piracy,' where packages are stolen from porches, and existing solutions like permanent lock boxes are not feasible due to homeowner association restrictions and aesthetic concerns.
Innovation Solution
A selectively securable container apparatus with a hook and extension mechanism that secures to a door threshold, using a bracket and lock system, allowing easy installation and removal to accommodate various door heights and preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent lock box is mounted to the home, then security against porch piracy is improved, but homeowner association restrictions and aesthetic concerns prevent installation
Solution Approach 1:
The security container transitions from a static permanent mounting concept to a dynamic removable system. The container is designed to be temporarily positioned against the door and secured using a movable extension and hook mechanism that can be easily installed and removed, providing security without permanent alteration to the property.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension and hook mechanism serves as an intermediary between the container and the door threshold. This intermediate component enables the container to be securely positioned without direct permanent attachment to the door or surrounding structures, resolving the conflict between security needs and installation restrictions.
2Reliability
If the hook size is increased to prevent removal, then security is improved, but the ability to fit between door and doorjamb is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is divided into two distinct components: a smaller extension that fits within the limited space between the door and doorjamb, and a larger hook that provides the necessary security. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-dimensional size constraint to a multi-dimensional configuration. The extension fits in the vertical gap between door and doorjamb, while the hook extends horizontally to engage with the door edge, utilizing multiple spatial dimensions to achieve both fit and security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a removable security container is used, then installation flexibility is improved, but security reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container is positioned and the extension is inserted between the door and doorjamb before the door is closed. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the door shuts, it compresses the extension against the hook, automatically securing the container without requiring additional fastening actions, thereby maintaining both removability and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook is designed with a geometry that prevents reverse action - once the extension is inserted and the door closed, the hook's shape and the compression force create a mechanical lock that prevents removal attempts until the door is deliberately opened and the extension extracted.
Data Source
AI summary
A selectively securable container apparatus and method consists of a container with a lid where the container is sealed from opening when the lid is in a closed and locked position. A hook with a first size and an extension with a first end and a second end and a length, where the length has a second size and where the second size of the length is smaller than the first size of the hook, where the first end is connected with the container and the second end is connected with the hook and where the smaller second size of the length of the extension fits between a space between the bottom of a first object and the top of a second object but the first size of the hook is larger than the space.