Stacked Revolving Mailbox Structure for Keyless Drive-Up Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cluster mailboxes occupy large physical space and require users to exit their vehicles and use physical keys to retrieve mail or packages, making them inefficient and user-unfriendly, especially in metropolitan areas.
Innovation Solution
A revolving cluster mailbox system with vertically stacked circular layers, each divided into individual units, featuring motors for vertical movement and rotation, along with a user interface and controller for automated access, allowing users to retrieve mail or packages without leaving their vehicles, and incorporating features like drone delivery and conveyor belts for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional cluster mailboxes are used, then mail delivery can be achieved, but large physical space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The mailbox system transitions from a traditional horizontal arrangement to a vertical three-dimensional structure with multiple stacked circular layers. Each layer contains multiple mailbox units arranged circumferentially,充分利用 vertical space to increase capacity without occupying additional horizontal footprint, directly resolving the contradiction between space occupation and delivery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple circular layers are stacked vertically with each layer containing multiple mailbox units, creating a nested multi-level structure. This nesting approach allows numerous mailboxes to be compactly arranged in vertical space, achieving high capacity while minimizing the ground area occupied by the mailbox cluster
2Ease of operation
If traditional cluster mailboxes are used, then mail storage is provided, but users must exit vehicles and use physical keys to retrieve mail
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical key-based access system with an electronic automated system. Users interact through a user interface (keypad, touchscreen, or remote device) which sends electronic signals to the controller, eliminating the need for physical keys and manual door opening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The mailbox system provides automated self-service functionality where the controller automatically identifies the user's mailbox unit through electronic input, rotates the appropriate layer to the access position, and opens the mailbox door automatically. This eliminates the need for user intervention in mechanical operations, allowing users to retrieve mail quickly without exiting their vehicles
3Extent of automation
If vertically stacked circular layers with motors are used, then automated keyless access is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: receiving user input from various interfaces, identifying mailbox units, controlling layer rotation, managing door opening, and coordinating with delivery systems. This multi-functionality consolidates control logic into a single device, managing system complexity while enabling comprehensive automation
Data Source
AI summary
Present embodiments relate to a revolving mailbox cluster and central package delivery system. More specifically, without limitation, present embodiments relate to a revolving mailbox cluster that includes: substantially circular layers stacked vertically, where a second layer sits atop a first layer, and wherein each substantially circular layers includes: vertically opposed bottom top plates, divider plates perpendicular to the bottom and top plates, and a center ring, where the bottom and top plates, dividers, and center ring define individual mailbox units, each of which has an opening disposed opposite the center ring; a first motor for moving the substantially circular layers vertically; and a second motor for rotating the substantially circular layers.