Rotatable Mailbox Mounting Bracket for Multi-Surface Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mailbox mounting brackets are specific to either posts, fences, or rails, making it difficult to predict which type of installation site a mailbox will be used at, leading to separate brackets often not being available at the point of purchase.
Innovation Solution
A single, versatile mailbox mounting bracket with a square-shaped top plate and downwardly-extending flanges, allowing the mailbox to be mounted in multiple orientations (90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees) on posts, fences, or rails, using a two-piece rotatable design for extra support and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate brackets are used for different mounting types (post, fence, rail), then each bracket can be optimized for its specific mounting type, but multiple brackets must be stocked and managed separately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single bracket that can be used for multiple mounting types (posts, fences, rails) through different orientations. The bracket includes a mounting plate with multiple sets of mounting holes arranged in different patterns, allowing it to be mounted in various configurations to accommodate different support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is segmented into functional components: a mounting plate with multiple hole patterns, a mailbox support portion, and multiple sets of mounting holes arranged in different configurations. This segmentation allows different portions of the bracket to be used for different mounting scenarios without requiring separate bracket designs.
2Device complexity
If a single versatile bracket is used for all mounting types, then inventory management is simplified, but the bracket must accommodate multiple mounting configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The single bracket design incorporates multiple sets of mounting holes in different patterns and orientations on the mounting plate, enabling it to function with posts, fences, and rails. The mailbox support portion can be oriented in different directions to achieve various mailbox facing directions, providing universal applicability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket provides dynamic adaptability through its multiple mounting hole configurations, allowing installers to select the appropriate hole pattern and orientation based on the specific mounting scenario. The bracket can be dynamically configured to suit different installation requirements without changing the physical bracket itself.
3Manufacturing precision
If the bracket is designed for specific mounting orientations, then mounting precision is improved, but the mailbox cannot be installed at different orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate includes multiple sets of mounting holes arranged in different patterns and orientations, allowing precise mounting for each specific orientation requirement. Each set of mounting holes provides precise alignment for its intended orientation, while the presence of multiple sets enables selection based on the desired mailbox facing direction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the mounting plate have different hole patterns optimized for specific mounting orientations. The bracket incorporates local quality variations in the mounting hole arrangements to provide precise mounting for each orientation scenario, with each local area optimized for its specific function.
Data Source
AI summary
A mailbox mounting bracket is configured for attachment to a post, rail, fence, or the like, to allow a mailbox to be mounted in multiple orientations. The bracket has a top plate with a plurality of holes for mounting to the bottom of a mailbox, a downwardly-extending peripheral ridge with a plurality of holes for mounting to the sides of the mailbox, and first and second downwardly-extending flanges at opposite sides of the bracket each with a plurality of holes for mounting to opposite sides of the post, fence, rail or the like. In another embodiment, the bracket includes two pieces each having a top plate, the top plates being rotatably connected to each other for extra support and versatility.