Motor Vehicle Flap with Independent Access Opening for Secure Parcel Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for delivering packages to motor vehicles allow parcel messengers unrestricted access to the vehicle, increasing the risk of theft and reducing acceptance among parcel service providers due to potential losses from false accusations.

Innovation Solution

A motor vehicle design featuring additional access openings adaptable to the size of mail items, allowing third parties to deposit packages without opening the main flap, with independently lockable flaps and integrated barcode readers and transmitting devices for secure and convenient access and message delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the main flap is opened to allow parcel delivery, then access to the vehicle interior is enabled, but security risk increases and theft becomes possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess for parcel deliveryVSAvoidvehicle security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The main flap is segmented into two independent parts: the main flap body and a separate access flap. The access flap can be opened independently to provide a limited access opening for parcel delivery, while the main flap remains closed to maintain vehicle security. This segmentation allows the parcel delivery function to be separated from the security-compromising full access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The access flap provides a localized, limited opening specifically designed for parcel insertion, rather than requiring the entire main flap to be opened. This local access point maintains the closed state of the main vehicle interior while enabling the necessary delivery function, thus preserving security while facilitating ease of operation for parcel delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a small access opening is provided for parcels, then vehicle security is maintained, but access for larger mail items is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle securityVSAvoidaccess for various mail item sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The access flap is designed with variable opening degrees, allowing it to be opened to different extents based on the size of the mail item. The flap can be opened partially for small parcels or fully for larger items, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining the security benefit of not requiring the main flap to be opened. This dynamic opening capability resolves the contradiction between security and adaptability to various mail item sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple messengers access the vehicle, then package delivery is facilitated, but the risk of theft and false accusations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage delivery efficiencyVSAvoidtheft prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The access flap acts as an intermediary mechanism that allows multiple messengers to deliver packages without any of them gaining full access to the vehicle interior. Each messenger can independently use the access flap to insert their parcel, and the system can track deliveries through the access flap usage. This intermediary structure enables multiple deliveries while maintaining security by preventing any single messenger from accessing the entire vehicle interior, thus reducing theft risk and false accusations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3554895B1Motor vehicle having at least one flap
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 AUDI AG
  • EP3554895B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3554895B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) having at least one flap (2), which can be moved between an open and a closed position, an encodable locking device (3) for locking the flap (2), an unlocking device (4) for unlocking the encodable locking device (3), and at least one further access opening (6, 10) which is adapted to the size of a specific postal article (5, 5a, 5b) and can be closed by means of at least one additional flap (7). The access opening (6, 10) can be locked by means of an encodable locking device (8) and can be unlocked by means of an unlocking device (9).