Wireless Security Device for Package Theft Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Package theft has increased with the rise of online retail, as packages are often left unattended and vulnerable to theft, leading to increased costs for individuals and businesses.

Innovation Solution

A wireless security device integrated into packages that establishes communication with a security system, triggering an alarm and recording evidence if the package is moved without authorization, while allowing rightful recipients to deactivate the security measures using secure credentials or biometric confirmation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If packages are left unattended for delivery, then delivery efficiency is improved, but package security deteriorates leading to increased theft

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery efficiencyVSAvoidpackage theft
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-activating security measures on packages before delivery. The security device is activated in advance and continuously monitors the package, establishing protective measures before the theft risk actually materializes. This allows packages to be left unattended for efficient delivery while security is already in place to prevent theft.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through continuous monitoring and real-time alerting. The security device detects movement or unauthorized access attempts and immediately sends notifications to authorities or recipients. This closed-loop feedback system enables efficient unattended delivery while providing immediate response to security threats, thereby preventing theft.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If security measures are activated on packages, then package security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage securityVSAvoidsecurity device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a security device that performs multiple functions: movement detection, identity verification, authority notification, and evidence recording. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be multiple separate complex systems into a single integrated device, achieving high security reliability while managing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service through automatic activation and operation of security measures. The device automatically detects package movement, verifies recipient identity through credentials, notifies authorities, and records evidence without requiring manual intervention. This automation reduces operational complexity while maintaining high security reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If biometric confirmation is required for package retrieval, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization securityVSAvoidpackage retrieval convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual authorization methods with biometric confirmation systems. Instead of physical keys, codes, or signatures, the system uses fingerprint, facial recognition, or other biometric data for identity verification. This substitution enhances security reliability while maintaining ease of operation, as biometric authentication is quick and user-friendly compared to traditional methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12086755B2Secure package delivery
Publication Date: 2024.09.10 AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
  • US12086755B2 patent drawing
  • US12086755B2 patent drawing
  • US12086755B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Wireless presence is used as a theft prevention mechanism for packages. When a package is shipped, the package includes a wireless security device. Before the package is delivered to its final destination shipping address, the wireless security device is activated and programmed with a security credential. The security credential, though, is based on information obtained during an initial purchase. The wireless security device may thus only be deactivated by a recipient participating in the initial purchase.