Bendable Mailbox Post Resilient Spring Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sign posts and mailbox posts are prone to damage from vehicle impacts, leading to costly repairs and compromised signage performance, as previous solutions either sacrifice signage or result in unstable, wobbly signs.
Innovation Solution
A bendable post mount with a resilient foundation assembly that pivots under lateral force and returns to its upright position, featuring a helical coil spring interconnection between the post and a top assembly, allowing for deflection and reversion, and adaptable for various mounting surfaces like dirt, concrete, and asphalt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid post mount is used to provide stable signage, then sign performance is improved, but damage from vehicle impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The post mount transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic resilient system. The spring mechanism allows the post to deflect and absorb impact forces dynamically, then return to its original position, eliminating the need for rigid resistance that causes damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient spring mechanism is pre-installed in the post mount to provide cushioning before impact occurs. This beforehand cushioning absorbs the shock of vehicle contact, preventing the transmission of harmful forces to both the sign and the vehicle.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a resilient post mount is used to reduce impact damage, then damage resistance is improved, but sign stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides resilience only when needed (during impact), while maintaining stability during normal conditions. The design allows the post to remain substantially upright and stable under light loads, but deflect when subjected to excessive lateral forces from vehicle impact.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable signage is used to protect vehicles, then vehicle damage is reduced, but signage cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient post mount converts the harmful impact force into beneficial elastic deformation of the spring. This allows the sign to absorb and dissipate impact energy through controlled deflection and rebound, protecting the vehicle while preserving the sign for continued use.
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
The solution significantly reduces damage to both posts and vehicles by allowing the post to absorb impact, maintaining stability and performance while being economical and adaptable for different environments.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient foundation assembly whereby the post may pivot and deflect from a generally vertical orientation when a lateral force is applied to the post and the post may return to the generally vertical orientation when no lateral force is applied to the post
Data Source
AI summary
A bendable mailbox or sign post comprises a foundation defined at one of a dirt, a concrete, and an asphalt surface. A top assembly releasably couples with the foundation and has a plate and a stub extending upward from the plate. The elongated post extends vertically from a bottom end connected with the top assembly. A resilient interconnection is provided between the post and the top assembly, whereby the post pivots about the bottom end and deflects from its vertical orientation when a lateral force is applied to the post and the post returns to the vertical orientation when no lateral force is applied. A frangible interconnection may be provided between the resilient interconnection member and one of the post and the stub.