Anchored Mailbox Structure With Reinforced Door Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mail deposit boxes lack adequate security and operational efficiency due to high vandalism rates and the need for more secure and stable designs.

Innovation Solution

A mail deposit box with a prismatic shape, comprising a lower base and upper body portions joined by an arched profile with continuous welding, featuring a reinforced door with safety locks and internal steel reinforcement, and anchored to the ground with three anchoring elements, along with internal supports for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mailbox designs are used, then construction is simpler, but security and anti-vandalism characteristics are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mailbox is divided into two distinct portions: a base portion with anchoring elements for ground fixation and an upper body portion containing the deposit opening and internal receptacle. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the base for security/anchoring and the body for functionality - while simplifying construction through modular assembly via welding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the mailbox are equipped with specific characteristics tailored to their functions: the base portion has anchoring elements for security, the body has a deposit opening at optimal height, and the interior has a receptacle for receiving objects. This local differentiation enhances overall security without requiring complex reinforcement throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If reinforcement elements are added to improve security, then security characteristics improve, but construction cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidconstruction ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring elements are integrated directly into the base portion structure rather than being separate attached components. The base portion itself is configured to provide grounding and stability, merging the structural support and security functions into a single element that is straightforward to manufacture and assemble through welding to the body portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding complex reinforcement elements to an existing simple design, the invention inverts the approach by making the base portion itself the primary security feature through its anchoring capability. The security function is achieved through the fundamental structure (base with anchors) rather than through added reinforcement elements, simplifying construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If anchoring elements are added to prevent vandalism, then stability and security improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mailbox structure is segmented into a base portion containing anchoring elements and an upper body portion. This segmentation places all stability-providing anchoring features in the base, which is naturally positioned for ground contact, while the body portion remains relatively simple. The welding connection between base and body provides structural integrity without requiring complex joining mechanisms throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2098141B1Mail deposit box
Publication Date: 2010.07.21 SOC ESTATAL CORREOS Y TELEGRAFOS
  • EP2098141B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

A mailbox of the type used by postal service operators for the temporary storage of objects related to said services is described. The mailbox is metallic, of a general quadrangular prismatic shape, and is comprised of a lower body and upper body joined together through the intermediation of a perimetral arched section, with the help of welding seams. The lower body includes a pair of supports, in the form of squares, projected towards the interior from two opposing walls, in diametrically opposed positions, and includes lower anchorings related to three contiguous walls, destined to fix the assembly to the ground. The upper body includes a small access door equipped with a cylinder-free safety lock, internal elements to fix it in the closed position and anti-warping means.