Apparatus for receiving and storing mail and/or parcels containing perishable products
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mail and parcel delivery systems cannot effectively store perishable products without causing deterioration, especially when the recipient is absent for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a controlled temperature compartment and interactive electronic features allows secure storage and management of perishable items, using a user interface, network interface, and temperature conditioning device to maintain product freshness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mailboxes or keyless electronic apparatuses are used for receiving mail and parcels, then secure delivery and storage are enabled, but perishable products cannot be stored for extended periods without deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature parameter within the mailbox to prevent product deterioration. The system includes a temperature control unit that can adjust and maintain optimal temperature conditions for perishable products, thereby extending storage duration while preserving product freshness and reliability.
2Reliability
If temperature control is added to enable perishable product storage, then product freshness is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mailbox is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a traditional mail storage device and as a temperature-controlled storage unit for perishable products. By integrating temperature control capabilities into an existing mailbox structure, the system achieves product freshness maintenance without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mailbox is divided into separate compartments: a first internal cavity for non-perishable mail and a second internal cavity with temperature control for perishable products. This segmentation allows temperature control to be applied only where needed, reducing the overall complexity increase while maintaining product freshness for perishable items.
3Reliability
If electronic control systems are implemented for secure access and monitoring, then delivery security is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system operates periodically rather than continuously, with the control unit activating temperature control and monitoring functions only when needed (e.g., when products are stored or retrieved). This periodic operation maintains delivery security and product freshness while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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
Enables secure and efficient storage of perishable products for predefined periods without deterioration, facilitating delivery and retrieval even in the absence of the recipient.
Implementation Method 1
which defines a second internal cavity (32) arranged to contain at least one perishable product, and provided with its own closing door (40); at least one temperature conditioning device (44), inserted in the body (12) of the apparatus (10), for controlling the temperature inside the second internal cavity (32)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for receiving and storing mail or perishable products includes a body with a first internal cavity for mail and a second controlled temperature internal cavity for containing perishable products, a temperature conditioning device, a movable closure element allowing or preventing access to the internal cavities; a user interface device for the input and output of audio and video signals and a network interface device for placing the user interface device in communication with a remote device, and an electronic control unit which controls and manages the user interface device, the network interface device and the movable closure element. The electronic control unit generates at least one random alphanumeric code sent to the remote device, which sends an unlock signal based on the code to the electronic control unit to unlock the movable closure element and allow access to the first internal cavity or the second internal cavity.