Smart Folding Mailbox with Dynamic Volume and Self-Service Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mailboxes are inconvenient for receiving parcels due to their fixed size and space occupation when not in use, as they cannot accommodate items of varying sizes and take up significant space when empty.
Innovation Solution
A smart folding box with a support member, foldable cover and sides, a locking mechanism, and a controller that allows the box to fold and unfold, reducing space occupation when not in use, and securely store items with an electric lock and detection members for authorization-based access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a regular mailbox is modified to accommodate larger items, then it can receive parcels, but it takes up a lot of space when there is no item inside
Solution Approach 1:
The mailbox is designed with foldable sides and a foldable cover that can transition between extended and retracted positions, allowing the mailbox volume to dynamically adjust based on whether a parcel is present. When no parcel is present, the sides and cover fold inward to minimize space occupation. When a parcel needs to be received, the sides and cover can be extended to accommodate the item.
2Reliability
If a courier delivers items requiring signature, then delivery security is improved, but convenience deteriorates due to requiring someone to be present
Solution Approach 1:
The mailbox incorporates an automated locking mechanism with a detection member that automatically locks the door when a parcel is detected inside and automatically unlocks when the parcel is removed. This self-service functionality eliminates the need for manual locking and unlocking operations, allowing recipients to conveniently retrieve parcels without requiring someone to be present for signature verification.
3Volume of stationary object
If a folding mechanism is added to reduce space occupation, then space efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mailbox is divided into modular components including foldable sides with hinges and a foldable cover, allowing each component to independently fold and unfold. This segmentation enables the mailbox to reduce its volume when empty while maintaining structural integrity. The locking mechanism is also segmented into a detection member and a locking member that operate independently but coordinate through the controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it controls the locking mechanism to lock/unlock the door, controls the folding mechanism to fold/unfold the sides and cover, and coordinates between these functions based on detection member input. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems and simplifies the overall device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart folding box includes a support member, a number of folding members, a door, a locking mechanism, and a controller. The support member includes a support body and a connector. Each folding member is rotationally coupled to the support body and to the connector. The door is mounted on the connector and is configured to open or close an opening. The folding members are configured to fold or unfold to move the connector and the door. The locking mechanism includes an electric lock and a folding detection member. The electric lock and the folding detection member are electrically coupled to the controller and each mounted on one of the folding members. The support body defines a limiting slot. When the folding detection member detects that the folding members are in a folded state, the controller controls the electric lock to extend into the limiting slot.