Mailbox Tray Linkage Design to Reduce Package Drop Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mailboxes cause package damage due to the direct fall of packages from the inlet to the bottom, as they lack a mechanism to support and stabilize the packages during delivery.
Innovation Solution
A mailbox design featuring a rotatable tray system connected via a link rod mechanism, which positions packages horizontally for loading and vertically for unloading, preventing direct falls and reducing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packages are delivered directly through the inlet to the bottom of the mailbox, then the delivery process is simple and fast, but the packages are easily damaged during the fall
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed to be rotatable and changes its orientation dynamically: when the upper cover is opened, the tray rotates to a horizontal state to receive packages gently; when the upper cover is closed, the tray rotates to a vertical state to allow packages to be deposited. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the tray's orientation to different operational phases, preventing package damage during loading while maintaining efficient delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray acts as an intermediary mechanism between the inlet and the bottom of the mailbox. Instead of packages falling directly from the inlet to the bottom, they are first received on the tray which then transports and deposits them. This intermediary structure prevents direct impact and damage while maintaining the simplicity and speed of the delivery process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a tray system is added to support packages during delivery, then package damage is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link rod mechanism serves multiple functions: it connects the upper cover to the tray, transmits the opening/closing motion of the upper cover to rotate the tray, and provides structural support for the tray. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving package protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray system is designed to operate automatically based on the opening and closing of the upper cover. When the upper cover is opened, the link rod mechanism automatically pulls the tray to the horizontal loading position; when the upper cover is closed, it automatically pushes the tray to the vertical unloading position. This self-service operation eliminates the need for additional motors or control systems, keeping the device relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses mailbox for storing packages comprises a box, at least one tray, and at least one link rod mechanism. The box is a closed box, and the box comprises an upper cover, a bottom board, and a plurality of side boards. A lower portion of one of the plurality of side boards is a movable door configured to be opened and closed. The upper cover is rotatably connected to one of the plurality of side boards and is configured to be upwardly opened. The at least one tray is movably disposed inside the box and is disposed above the movable door, and each of the at least one tray is rotatably connected to at least one of the plurality of side boards. The at least one link rod mechanism is disposed between the at least one tray and the upper cover.