Modular Mail Receptacle with Rotatable Carrier for Flexible Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery receptacles lack flexibility in access points, which can lead to installation constraints and inefficiencies for both delivery and retrieval processes, particularly in terms of physical placement and access restrictions.
Innovation Solution
A modular delivery receptacle design allowing the first section with a delivery door and the second section with an access door to be positioned rotationally about a vertical axis at different angular positions, enabling customizable access points for delivery and retrieval while maintaining secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed access point design is used, then the receptacle structure is simple, but the flexibility for different installation locations and access needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is divided into a housing and a rotatable carrier assembly. The carrier can be rotated to different angular positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°) to provide multiple access points. This segmentation allows the access points to be reconfigured without changing the overall receptacle structure, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and structural simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the receptacle is designed as a single integrated unit, then the structure is rigid, but the shipping cost efficiency is reduced due to larger container space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is designed with a separable housing and carrier assembly that can be manufactured independently and shipped separately. The carrier can be rotated into position after assembly, allowing the components to be packed more efficiently in shipping containers. This reduces the total volume required for shipping while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access points are provided at fixed positions, then access flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple fixed access points with separate doors and components, the patent uses a single rotatable carrier assembly that can be dynamically positioned to create access points at different locations. This dynamic reconfiguration capability provides the same functional flexibility as multiple fixed access points but with significantly fewer components.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides an innovative delivery receptacle for receiving objects (such as parcels and mail) deposited into the receptacle and securely storing them once deposited. The receptacle allows for the orientation of the position of an input opening and delivery door for a delivering party, such as a courier, to deposit the objects in the receptacle to be changeable with respect to the orientation of an access opening and access door for a receiving party to remove the objects. In one embodiment, the delivery door also restricts access to the deposited objects while they are deposited into the receptacle. The receptacle may be a stand-alone receptacle or it may be a structure-mounted unit, such as installed in a wall or other structure. The receptacle may comprise a separate first and second sections that may be shipped separately and assembled with the desired orientation.