Wind Load Limited Banner Support with Cam Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Light and utility poles with attached banners or flags are prone to damage from wind loads, especially when they support additional equipment or signs, as existing banner supports do not effectively mitigate wind stress.
Innovation Solution
A banner support device with a disk-shaped cam mechanism and spring-loaded plunger that rotates the banner bracket away from the wind direction when a preset trigger load is exceeded, using a cam follower and cam detent system to reduce stress on the pole and return to the rest position when wind stress decreases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a banner is kept unfurled on a pole using cantilevered support arms, then the banner is displayed effectively, but the pole is vulnerable to damage from wind loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the banner support bracket movable rather than fixed. The bracket is connected to the pole through a rotational joint that allows it to rotate away from its normal unfurled position when wind stress exceeds a predetermined threshold. This dynamic response enables the system to adapt to changing wind conditions, reducing wind load damage risk while maintaining effective banner display during normal conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the banner bracket is made rigid to maintain display position, then the banner remains unfurled effectively, but the pole cannot withstand high wind stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a trigger mechanism that changes the structural parameter of the bracket from fixed to rotated position when wind stress exceeds a predetermined threshold. The trigger is activated by wind stress acting on the banner, which causes the cam follower to move along the cam surface and ultimately release the latch, transforming the bracket's position parameter and reducing wind load on the pole.
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 device effectively reduces wind stress on the pole by rotating the banner bracket away from the wind, protecting the pole from damage and ensuring the banner or flag returns to its original position once wind stress subsides.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded plunger extending from the support arm that biases a cam follower into a proximal cam detent
Implementation Method 2
The mechanism which enables bracket rotation comprises a disk-shaped cam with a spring-loaded plunger
Data Source
AI summary
A banner support supports a banner or flag unfurled on the pole. When a preset trigger wind load is exceeded, the banner bracket rotates away from the direction of the wind so as to limit the stress on the pole. The mechanism which enables bracket rotation comprises a disk-shaped cam with a spring-loaded plunger extending from the support arm that biases a cam follower into a proximal cam detent. Subject to the restraint of the cam follower, the cam rotates around a transversely axial cam shaft connected to the support arm. The cam is rigidly attached to the banner bracket, which rotates along with the cam. When the preset wind load is exceeded, the cam follower is forced out of the cam detent, allowing the cam and the connected banner bracket to rotate away from the wind direction. As the banner turns away from the wind, the wind stress decreases, allowing the spring plunger to force the cam follower back into the cam detent, thereby restoring the banner to its rest position.