Mailpiece Acceptance Device Without Weighing Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mail processing systems face challenges with mail alignment, calibration requirements for weighing devices, and increased maintenance costs, particularly in decentralized mail receiving facilities where pre-sorting and correct franking are necessary without the use of scales.
Innovation Solution
A mailpiece acceptance device that automatically aligns and processes mailpieces without scales, using a feeder system with adjustable dimensions, scanning technology for orientation, and a printing mechanism to apply postage, ensuring correct franking and storage in designated containers, while eliminating the need for calibration and reducing maintenance efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a weighing device is used to determine postage, then postage calculation is automated, but the device requires regular calibration and increased maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the weighing device entirely from the mail processing system. Instead of using a scale to determine postage weight, the system uses dimensional measurement (length x width x height) multiplied by a predefined weight factor to calculate postage. This extraction of the problematic weighing component eliminates calibration requirements while maintaining automated postage calculation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical weighing system with an optical/dimensional measurement system. Instead of mechanically weighing mail items, the system measures dimensions using sensors and applies a calculated weight factor to determine postage. This substitution eliminates the need for calibration while achieving the same functional goal of automated postage determination.
2Measurement precision
If mailpieces are weighed to determine postage, then postage is calculated accurately by weight, but the system becomes complex and requires calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from weight (mass) to dimensional parameters (length, width, height). Instead of measuring the actual weight of mailpieces, the system measures their dimensions and applies a predefined weight factor specific to each mailpiece type. This parameter change simplifies the system while maintaining measurement precision for postage calculation purposes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If decentralized mail receiving facilities are equipped with scales, then postage can be determined locally, but calibration requirements increase maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the weighing device from decentralized mail receiving facilities, replacing it with a dimensional measurement system. This extraction eliminates the need for calibration at each decentralized location, significantly reducing maintenance costs while preserving the ability to determine postage locally without requiring complex calibration procedures.
4Ease of repair
If mailpieces are automatically aligned and processed without scales, then maintenance is reduced, but alignment precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment systems with optical sensing and automated positioning systems. Instead of relying on purely mechanical alignment that requires precise calibration, the system uses sensors to detect mailpiece position and automatically adjusts alignment, reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining precision through electronic control rather than mechanical adjustment.
Data Source
Figure 1a~3c
Figure 1b
Figure 2-I~6g
AI summary
The mail item receiving device (1) has a mail item supply for mail item, an operating interface (12), an invoicing-unit, and a card reading unit with cover plate. A mail item insertion mounting grid (13.1) is arranged at the front side of a mail receiving device. The mail item supply is equipped with an adjustable opening (30) of a shaft shaped supply duct for insertion and for infiltrating mail item. The supply duct is formed in folded shape and the mail item insertion mounting grid consists of two side walls and a rear wall. An independent claim is included for a method for receiving mail item.