Reversible Mail Storage Tray with Jogging Walls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mail-handling machines are bulky and specialized, requiring separate modules for loading and receiving mailpieces, which limits their versatility and efficiency, especially at high processing rates.

Innovation Solution

A compact, ergonomic storage tray with a support wall and two perpendicular jogging walls that meet at a single junction point, allowing for reversible use as both a feed and receiving tray, equipped with slots for motor-driven components to facilitate easy mounting and rotation prevention, and made from one-piece molded plastics or metal for ease of use and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate modules are used for loading and receiving mailpieces, then the machine can handle mailpieces of any type and format, but the machine becomes voluminous and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle mailpieces of any type and formatVSAvoidvoluminous and complex structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage tray is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be used both for loading mailpieces into the machine and for receiving franked mailpieces from the franking module. The tray's symmetrical design with drive pins and slots on opposite sides enables it to interface with the machine in either orientation, eliminating the need for separate loading and receiving modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of separate loading and receiving modules into a single universal storage tray. By combining the drive pin mechanisms and slot configurations on the same tray structure, the patent reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the machine's architecture while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If frequent stopping is avoided to increase processing rate, then productivity increases, but storage capacity must be increased requiring more voluminous devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing rate of about 15,000 envelopes per hourVSAvoidstorage capacity requiring voluminous devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage tray is designed as a movable component that can be quickly inserted and removed from the machine. The dynamic interface with drive pins and slots allows the tray to be rapidly exchanged, enabling continuous operation at high speeds without requiring large fixed storage capacity within the machine body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The storage function is segmented into removable trays rather than a single large fixed storage structure. This allows the machine to maintain compact dimensions while providing adequate storage capacity through multiple trays that can be quickly exchanged during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If specialized modules are used for loading and receiving, then each module is optimized for its specific function, but the machine requires frequent stopping and has reduced efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction-specific optimizationVSAvoidprocessing efficiency and frequency of stopping

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The universal storage tray maintains the reliability of function-specific optimization by incorporating all necessary interface elements (drive pins, slots, jogging walls) in a symmetrical design that allows it to perform both loading and receiving functions with equal effectiveness, eliminating the need to switch between specialized modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Stability of the object's composition

If complex mounting mechanisms are used to secure the tray, then the tray is firmly fixed, but the tray becomes difficult and time-consuming to mount and remove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirm fixation of trayVSAvoidspeed and simplicity of mounting and removing tray

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tray's mounting mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The drive pins automatically engage with the slots when the tray is inserted, and the symmetrical design with drive pins on opposite sides provides automatic centering and firm fixation without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple fastening steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8662497B2Storage tray for storing mailpieces

Publication Date: 2014.03.04 NEOPOST TECHNOLOGIES SA

AI summary

A storage tray for storing mailpieces for a mail-handling machine, which storage tray comprises a support wall, a first jogging wall adjacent and perpendicular to said support wall, and a second jogging wall adjacent and perpendicular both to said support wall and to said first jogging wall, these three walls meeting at a single junction point, the support wall being provided with at least one first slot for allowing motor-driven feed members of the mail-handling machine to pass through.