Device for holding letters, packages and/or goods shipments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mailbox designs face challenges in manufacturing efficiency, robustness, and security, particularly due to high production costs and inadequate burglary protection, as they often require multiple separate hinge elements that can become loose under mechanical stress and offer limited protection against manipulation.
Innovation Solution
The design integrates hinges formed from sheet metal strips or hollow cylinders that are part of the housing or door, with rollers and tabs having corresponding openings for the hinge pin, providing stable guidance and enhanced security, and incorporates a rod-shaped damping element to limit door movement and prevent uncontrolled opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate hinge elements are used, then the hinge can be assembled, but the production costs increase and the hinge becomes vulnerable to manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate hinge elements (first hinge element, second hinge element, hinge pin, corner elements) into an integrated hinge system where components are pre-assembled and connected as a unit. This integration reduces the number of separate parts needing assembly, lowers production costs through streamlined manufacturing, and enhances security by creating a unified structure that is more difficult to manipulate or disassemble individually.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate hinge elements are used, then the hinge can be assembled, but the number of components increases leading to complex assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hinge components into integrated assemblies where the first hinge element, second hinge element, hinge pin, and corner elements are connected as unified structures. This merging reduces the effective number of separate components that need to be handled during assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the functional integrity of the hinge system.
3Ease of operation
If corner elements are placed in the edge area, then the door can be articulated, but the burglary protection is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the corner elements with the hinge mechanism itself, merging the door articulation function with the security function. The hinge elements are positioned and connected in such a way that they provide both the necessary rotational movement for door operation and structural reinforcement that deters burglary attempts, eliminating the need for separate corner protection elements.
4Ease of manufacture
If hinges are made with separate elements that can become loose, then assembly is possible, but the robustness decreases under mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates integrated hinge assemblies where components are permanently connected through welding or other permanent joining methods, merging the separate elements into unified structures. This integration eliminates the risk of components becoming loose under mechanical stress, significantly enhancing hinge robustness while maintaining manufacturability through standardized assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary assembly and permanent joining of hinge components during the manufacturing process, rather than relying on removable fasteners that could loosen during use. The hinge elements are pre-assembled and permanently connected before installation, ensuring that the hinge maintains its structural integrity and robustness throughout the device's operational life.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5
AI summary
The device i.e. mail box (1), has a door (4) pivotally mounted on a housing (2) by a hinge (5) and pivoted between closed position and open position. Sheet metal strips are integrated with the housing and the door, where the metal strips are correspondingly connected with each other. The first sheet metal strip is formed in a roller. The second sheet-metal strip is formed in a tab, where the roller and the tab are attached together. Openings are utilized for carrying a hinge pin (9). The roller and/or a hollow cylinder are arranged at the housing.