Impact resistant mailbox support apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mailboxes are vulnerable to damage and destruction from impacts with vehicles or snowplows due to lack of effective impact resistance mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical mailbox support post with a dome-shaped mailbox and an attachment arm featuring first and second spring-loaded self-returning hinges, allowing the attachment arm and upper half of the post to pivot and return to original positions upon impact, along with optional features like a display, solar panel, and light emitting diode system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional rigid mailbox support post and attachment arm are used, then the structure is simple and stable under normal conditions, but it is vulnerable to damage and destruction from impacts with vehicles or snowplows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing rigid fixed connections with spring-loaded self-returning hinges that allow controlled movement. The attachment arm can swing leftward or rightward upon impact, and the upper half of the support post can rotate, transforming the static rigid structure into a dynamic system that absorbs impact energy through motion rather than fracture.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded self-returning hinges provide beforehand cushioning by incorporating spring mechanisms that are pre-loaded to absorb impact forces. When impact occurs, the springs compress to cushion the shock, then automatically return the attachment arm and support post to their original positions, preventing damage before it can propagate through the structure.
2Reliability
If spring-loaded self-returning hinges are added to allow pivoting and returning upon impact, then impact resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded self-returning hinges embody self-service by automatically performing the function of absorbing impact and returning the attachment arm and support post to their original positions without external intervention. The mechanism serves itself by using the impact energy to compress the springs, which then automatically propel the parts back to their starting positions, eliminating the need for manual resetting or complex control systems.
3Reliability
If the attachment arm is made rigid and fixed, then the mailbox is stable and secure, but it cannot absorb impact energy and is prone to destruction upon collision
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment arm transitions from a static rigid component to a dynamic element capable of swinging motion. The spring-loaded self-returning hinge enables the attachment arm to swing leftward or rightward when impacted, allowing the system to absorb impact energy through controlled movement rather than rigid resistance that would lead to fracture.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism converts the harmful impact force into beneficial spring compression energy. When the attachment arm is struck, the impact energy compresses the springs in the self-returning hinge, storing the harmful energy temporarily, then releases it to return the attachment arm to its original position, transforming the damaging force into a protective energy absorption and recovery cycle.
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
The solution effectively prevents damage to the mailbox and support post by allowing them to absorb and recover from impacts, while also providing additional functionality like illuminated displays and solar-powered lighting.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first spring-loaded self-returning hinge, such that the attachment arm of the mailbox is configured to selectively swing in one of a rightward direction and a leftward direction upon impact and return to an original pre-impact position following impact as a result of the at least one first spring-loaded self-returning hinge
Implementation Method 2
return to an original pre-impact position following impact as a result of the at least one first spring-loaded self-returning hinge
Implementation Method 3
a second spring-loaded self-returning hinge. The upper half is configured to selectively rotate in one of a rightward direction and a leftward direction upon impact and return to an original pre-impact position following impact as a result of the second spring-loaded self-returning hinge
Implementation Method 4
return to an original pre-impact position following impact as a result of the second spring-loaded self-returning hinge
Implementation Method 5
At least one solar panel is disposed on the top end of the cylindrical mailbox support post. A power inverter is disposed within the cylindrical mailbox support post adjacent to the at least one solar panel
Implementation Method 6
At least one light emitting diode is disposed within the cylindrical mailbox support post behind the display. The at least one light emitting diode is configured to illuminate the display
Data Source
AI summary
An impact resistant mailbox support apparatus including a mailbox support post and a mailbox having a dome-shaped body, a front door, and an attachment arm hingedly attached to the mailbox support post. The attachment arm has at least one first spring-loaded self-returning hinge. The attachment arm of the mailbox is configured to selectively swing in one of a rightward direction and a leftward direction upon impact and return to an original pre-impact position following impact as a result of the at least one first spring-loaded self-returning hinge. The mailbox support post optionally includes a lower half, an upper half pivotally attached to the lower half, and a second spring-loaded self-returning hinge. The upper half is configured to selectively rotate in one of a rightward direction and a leftward direction upon impact and return to an original pre-impact position following impact as a result of the second spring-loaded self-returning hinge.