Mailbox Shield with Angled Panels to Deflect Snow Plow Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mailboxes lack protection from snow and ice thrown or piled on them by passing snow plows, as prior art does not provide effective shielding solutions.
Innovation Solution
A mailbox shield with angled panels connected by wires and an adjustable post is placed adjacent to the mailbox, deflecting snow and ice away from the mailbox using a design that includes telescoping tubes and a tapered distal end for ground insertion, with panels typically forming a 90-degree angle and made from stainless steel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mailbox shield is placed adjacent to the mailbox to deflect snow and ice, then protection from snow plows is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into multiple panels (typically three panels forming a V-shape or U-shape) that are separately positioned and connected. This segmentation allows the shield to effectively deflect snow from multiple directions while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield extends into the third dimension by creating a three-dimensional structure (V-shape or U-shape) rather than a flat barrier. This spatial arrangement allows the shield to intercept snow and ice from passing plows more effectively while distributing the structural load across multiple panels and support elements.
2Strength
If the shield structure is made robust to withstand snow plow forces, then protection effectiveness is improved, but ease of installation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The robust shield structure is segmented into multiple panels and support elements that can be independently handled and assembled. This allows the strong protective structure to be installed in sections rather than as one large heavy unit, improving ease of installation while maintaining overall strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping support posts utilize a nested tube structure where smaller diameter tubes fit within larger diameter tubes. This nesting allows the strong, height-adjustable support structure to be compact during transport and assembly, making installation easier while providing robust support when deployed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shield height is made adjustable to fit different mailbox heights, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support posts are constructed with telescoping tubes that nest within each other, providing height adjustability through a relatively simple mechanism. The nested structure allows multiple height settings to be achieved without complex adjustment devices, maintaining ease of use while providing adaptability to different mailbox heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates adjustable elements that can be dynamically configured to different heights and positions. This dynamic adjustability allows the shield to adapt to various mailbox configurations while using straightforward mechanical adjustment mechanisms rather than fixed complex systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A mailbox shield that includes first and second panels connected to one another forming an angle therebetween. The first and second panels are held in place by a plurality of wires therebetween and a post that is adjustable in height and is adapted to be inserted into a ground surface adjacent to a mailbox and is designed to deflect snow and ice being thrown or piled upon the mailbox by a passing snow plow.