Adjustable Bracket Assembly for Pole-Mounted Banner Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for hanging and removing banners from upright structures require workers to be elevated, leading to inefficiencies, safety concerns, and increased costs due to the need for expensive equipment and disruption of traffic flow.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bracket system that allows banners to be installed and removed from the ground using a telescopingly extended pole with install and removal adapters, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and enabling secure attachment and detachment without the use of lift trucks or ladders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If workers use lift trucks or ladders to install banners at elevated positions, then the banner can be securely mounted on the pole, but the installation cost increases and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tool - a pole-mounted device with a basket that holds the bracket components. This intermediary allows workers to install brackets at elevated positions without using dangerous equipment like lift trucks or ladders, as the components are delivered to the installation point via the pole-mounted basket rather than being manually carried at height
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly system is designed to be self-contained and self-installing. The bracket components are pre-assembled in the pole-mounted basket, and the entire assembly can be installed by workers on the ground using the pole as a guide, eliminating the need for external equipment support and reducing safety risks
2Reliability
If separate fasteners are used to attach brackets to the pole, then the connection can be secure, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bracket components and fastening mechanisms into a single integrated assembly that is pre-configured in the pole-mounted basket. Instead of separately handling multiple fasteners and bracket parts, the entire connection system is combined into one unit that can be installed as a single operation, reducing installation complexity while maintaining connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket components and fastening elements are pre-assembled and pre-positioned in the pole-mounted basket before installation. This preliminary preparation ensures that all connection elements are properly aligned and ready for installation, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly and reducing installation time
3Shape
If workers are positioned at elevated heights for banner installation, then the banner can be properly positioned, but traffic disruption increases and installation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The pole-mounted basket serves as an intermediary that delivers bracket components directly to the installation position on the pole. Workers on the ground can control the positioning of the basket and brackets, eliminating the need for workers to be elevated and reducing installation time while maintaining proper banner positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the installation dimension by moving the component delivery system from a vertical elevation approach (ladders/lifts) to a horizontal pole-mounted approach. The basket travels along the pole and can be positioned at any height, allowing workers to install brackets at elevated positions while remaining on the ground, thus reducing installation time and traffic disruption
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and related methods includes a base attached to an upright structure (such as a street light pole), a mounting bracket that releasably engages the base while supporting a hanging banner, and an install adapter that releasably holds the mounting bracket and banner until the mounting bracket attaches to the base. A removal adapter facilitates disengaging the mounting bracket and banner from the base. The mounting bracket and install adapter (and removal adapter) are attached to a pole and engage (and disengage) remotely and without using separate fasteners, thus allowing a worker to install (or remove) banners high on the upright structure while standing on the ground. The base and mounting bracket have tapered shapes that wedgingly engage, secured by a spring-biased friction retainer. The install adapter and removal adapter have structures that facilitate remote install and removal of the mounting bracket from the base.