Adjustable Sign Support System for Road Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current road sign support systems require permanent concrete footings, are not easily deployable, and cannot accommodate roadways with different elevations or median barriers, limiting their versatility and rapid relocation.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising length-adjustable base supports and vertical braces that can be articulately connected to various foundation members, including median barriers, allowing for secure attachment and leveling of signs across different elevations and barrier configurations, with optional integration of sensors, communication devices, and a power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent concrete footings are used to support road signs, then the signs are stable and secure, but the deployment time is long and relocation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate modular components: base supports that attach to existing barriers, vertical supports, and cross supports. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed and adjusted, enabling rapid deployment without requiring permanent concrete footings while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses existing road barriers (concrete, steel, or wooden) as intermediary structures to support the sign system. Instead of directly anchoring to the ground with permanent footings, the base supports attach to these existing barriers, which then serve as the foundation for the vertical and cross supports, enabling quick installation and relocation.
2Reliability
If permanent concrete footings are used, then the signs are securely supported, but relocation to another site is not feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The support system employs adjustable and reconfigurable components rather than fixed permanent structures. The base supports can be detached and reattached to different barriers, the vertical supports can be adjusted in height and position, and the cross supports can be repositioned. This dynamic design maintains support integrity while enabling easy relocation to different sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The base supports are designed to accommodate multiple types of barriers (concrete, steel, wooden) through universal attachment mechanisms. The same support system components can be used across different barrier types and locations, providing both secure support and the versatility to be deployed at various sites without requiring site-specific custom installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If trailer-mounted signs are used, then the signs can be relocated, but they require protection from traffic and have restricted sign size
Solution Approach 1:
The support system merges the sign structure with the existing road barrier infrastructure. By attaching to the barriers that already protect the work zone, the system eliminates the need for separate trailer-mounted protection structures. The barriers themselves serve as both traffic protection and sign support, simplifying the overall system while maintaining safety.
4Productivity
If wood frame signs with sand bags are used, then the signs can be quickly deployed, but they cannot accommodate roadways with different elevations
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical supports incorporate adjustable mechanisms that allow the sign assembly to be leveled on barriers at different elevations. The adjustable base supports and vertical support lengths enable the system to adapt to varying barrier heights and roadway elevations, maintaining quick deployment capability while adding elevation versatility that rigid wood frame structures cannot provide.
Data Source
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AI summary
A support system for a sign mountable on at least two spaced apart foundation members, the system comprising: i) a base, preferably a length adjustable base, having a first end and a second end; ii) a vertical sign support having a first end and a second end wherein the second end is connected to the base; iii) a first foundation member bracket for connection to a first foundation member, the first foundation member bracket proximate the first end of the base; and iv) a second foundation member bracket for connection to a second foundation member distant the first foundation member, the second foundation member bracket proximate the second end of the base.