Reconfigurable Lighted Mailbox Post with Dual-Channel LED Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mailbox post configurations lack reconfigurability and adaptability for displaying different information, such as addresses or seasonal messages, and are not easily adaptable to structures without a dedicated mailbox.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable mailbox post system with dual or triple channel members that house LED lighting and interchangeable inserts, allowing users to easily swap out illuminated cut-outs for various messages or designs, which can be attached to any post or structure, including mailboxes, plaques, or fences, and powered by solar panels or batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional mailbox post configuration is used, then the structure is simple and durable, but it lacks reconfigurability and cannot easily display different information such as addresses or seasonal messages
Solution Approach 1:
The mailbox post is divided into modular components: a base structure, interchangeable face panels, and separate lighting elements. The face panel is segmented into a background portion and an insert portion that can be independently removed and replaced, allowing different information displays without replacing the entire post structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mailbox post structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it can display permanent information (address), temporary information (seasonal messages), and serve as a mounting structure for lighting. The universal base structure accommodates various insert types through standardized openings and mounting mechanisms.
2Loss of information
If illuminated cut-outs are added to the mailbox post, then information display capability is enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into separate components: LED light sources, power supply units (solar panels or batteries), and the illuminated face panel itself. This allows the lighting functionality to be added independently of the structural post, simplifying manufacturing and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The face panel acts as an intermediary element between the structural post and the lighting system. It provides a standardized interface that connects the permanent post structure with interchangeable illuminated inserts, making the system easier to manufacture and assemble.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mailbox post is made reconfigurable with interchangeable inserts, then adaptability for different information display is improved, but the ease of operation and maintenance may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The interchangeable face panel design segments the information display function from the structural function. The panel can be easily removed and replaced by simply detaching the insert from the background portion, allowing users to change displayed information without tools or complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mailbox post system is designed for user-friendly self-service operation. The standardized opening and mounting mechanism allows any user to easily swap inserts without requiring technical knowledge or special tools, and the modular design enables simple maintenance by replacing only the affected component.
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 users to dynamically change the displayed information on mailbox posts or other structures, enhancing customization and adaptability, while maintaining durability and ease of maintenance, and can be retrofitted onto existing posts, providing consistent illumination.
Implementation Method 1
The LED lighting element is positioned adjacent to the insert, such that the LED lighting element back-illuminates the insert through the cut-outs
Implementation Method 2
powered by solar panels or batteries
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable lighted post (e.g., mailbox), including a post, and first and second dual channel members attached to the post. The dual channel members include dual channels, where the first channel of each houses a strip of LEDs, and the second channel defines a channel into which an insert to be back or trans-illuminated can be inserted. Both dual channel members are attached to the post so that the first channels housing the strips of LEDs are positioned towards the post, while the second channels are positioned away from the post. The insert to be illuminated is receivable between the second channels (i.e., that face one another). The insert may include a house address number, or other characters cut-out or otherwise formed into the insert, so that light from the LED strips back or trans-illuminates the insert when received between the facing second channels. Deck rail lighting is also disclosed.