Articulating Sign Cover Clamp for Non-Destructive Road Sign Concealment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing flexible material coverings on road signs are often cumbersome, labor-intensive, destructive, unsafe, and expensive, failing to provide a reliable and non-damaging solution for temporary or permanent concealment during construction or maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
The articulating sign cover clamp (ASCC) is a portable, clamping device comprising two metal members: a flat gripping bar and variable-width hooks, which articulate to fit various sign dimensions, using tie-down straps for securement and a protective silicone sleeve to prevent damage, offering a non-destructive, economical, and safe solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fabric covers are secured with straps tied at the back of the sign, then the cover can be held in place, but the method becomes labor-intensive and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex strap-tying operation from the installation process by extracting the securing function into a simple clamp mechanism that attaches to the sign frame, eliminating the need for labor-intensive knot-tying while maintaining cover security
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp acts as an intermediary device between the cover and the sign frame, providing a mechanical connection that replaces the manual strap-tying process and enables secure attachment without direct manipulation of straps and knots
2Reliability
If adhesive is used to hold the covering in place, then the covering can be secured, but the sign is damaged due to holes being put in it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful drilling/holes-making operation from the securing process by using a clamp mechanism that attaches to the sign frame without penetrating or damaging the sign face, thereby maintaining both security and sign integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp serves as an intermediary that provides mechanical securement without direct contact with or damage to the sign surface, distributing the attachment forces to the sign frame structure rather than the sign face
3Reliability
If flexible materials are stitched, taped or tied at the back of a sign, then the cover can be attached, but the cover becomes unsightly and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the unsightly stitching and taping operations from the attachment process by using a clamp mechanism that secures the cover without visible fasteners on the sign face, eliminating aesthetic degradation while maintaining safe attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp acts as an intermediary that provides secure attachment through a clean, visible mechanism on the sign front rather than hidden stitching or taping at the back, improving both aesthetics and safety
4Adaptability or versatility
If pre-made fabric covers of different shapes and sizes are used, then various signs can be covered, but the solution becomes expensive and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single clamp design that can accommodate various sign shapes and sizes through adjustable features, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple specialized covers for different sign types and thereby reducing both cost and labor
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp incorporates dynamic, adjustable features that allow it to adapt to different sign geometries, providing versatility without requiring multiple pre-made cover variants, thus reducing manufacturing complexity and installation labor
Data Source
AI summary
A portable clamping device that improves the Prior Art of safely securing materials covering the face of a mounted sign to hide advertised information. It relates primarily to traffic control operations in the Transportation Engineering industry, especially during road construction and maintenance operations. It includes two expandable hooks that straddle the edge of a sign, and one flat bar placed over the material on the front surface, such that when the hooks are clamped to the rear surface of the sign, the bar reacts by gripping the front. Hooks can swivel and slide along the full length of the bar, which allows the device to articulate around the corners and edges of planar signs of any shape. Hook operations may be manual or electronic. The device is safe and easy to use, non-destructive to signs, resistant to the elements, and cost effective.