Mailbox and control system thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mailboxes have fixed drop slots, making it difficult to accommodate large parcels and are susceptible to mail theft, as they can be easily accessed with tools, limiting their use to only letters and newspapers, and do not securely handle express deliveries.
Innovation Solution
A novel mailbox design featuring a swingable flip door connected to a drop bucket via a transmission mechanism, which covers the storage cavity to secure mail, combined with a control system for secure delivery and retrieval using verification information and a network connection for user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed sized drop slot is used in traditional mailbox, then the structure is simple, but large sized parcels cannot be dropped in and the mailbox can only receive letters, newspapers or magazines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed drop slot with a swingable flip door connected to a movable drop bucket. The drop bucket can swing between a first position (covering the storage cavity) and a second position (exposing the cavity), allowing the mailbox to accommodate mail of varying sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If a fixed sized drop slot is used in traditional mailbox, then the manufacturing is simple, but the mailbox is susceptible to mail theft as lawless persons can extract mails with pliers or the like
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the drop bucket automatically cover the storage cavity opening before any mail deposit operation. The swingable flip door mechanism ensures the cavity is sealed in advance, preventing theft attempts before they can occur, while adding only minimal structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a swingable flip door and drop bucket mechanism is added, then mail of varying sizes can be accommodated and security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flip door and drop bucket into a single integrated swingable mechanism. Both components are connected to the same pivot point and work together as one unit, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the ability to accommodate different mail sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The swingable mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as both the flip door for opening/closing the mailbox and the drop bucket for receiving mail. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving adaptability for different mail sizes.
4Reliability
If the drop bucket covers the storage cavity when swung, then mail loss is prevented and mailing safety is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the swingable mechanism to automatically cover the storage cavity opening when the flip door is swung open for mail deposit. The mechanism serves itself by using the same motion that opens the mailbox to also close the cavity, eliminating the need for separate locking or covering actions and maintaining ease of operation.
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
Enables secure delivery and retrieval of parcels by accommodating mail of varying sizes, preventing theft and loss through the secure operation of the swingable door mechanism and verification processes, enhancing mailing safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the storage cavity is internally provided with tension springs which may retrieve the drop bucket after swinging away
Data Source
AI summary
A mailbox and control system thereof includes a mailbox, and flip door provided thereon; a second drop slot is provided on the flip door, inside the mailbox is provided storage cavity for parcel storage; the flip door can be swung and open the storage cavity, wherein: on top of the storage cavity is provided a drop bucket, which is connected to the flip door by a transmission device, and by swinging the flip door it is possible to drive the drop bucket above the storage cavity. In the present invention, existing fixed drop slot structure is changed and by the swingable flip door, parcels can be put into the storage cavity by swinging the flip door until parcels are allowed in, meanwhile, the storage cavity is covered when the drop bucket is driven by the transmission mechanism, to limit parcels in, improve mailing safety.