Barrier-Mounted Sign Support With Adjustable Base for Rapid Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current road sign support systems, particularly for portable variable message signs, are limited by the need for permanent concrete footings, restrict rapid deployment, and cannot accommodate varying median barriers, road elevations, or withstand high winds and impacts effectively, lacking adaptability and compliance with crash test standards.
Innovation Solution
A support system for signs that includes length-adjustable base supports and vertical braces, articulately connected to foundation members such as barriers, with optional tethers and a power source, allowing for secure installation on various barrier types, accommodating different elevations and sizes, and meeting crash test standards through compliance with MASH and AASHTO guidelines.
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 increases and relocation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate modular components: base supports that attach to existing barriers, vertical braces, and the sign structure itself. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed and positioned, enabling rapid deployment without requiring permanent concrete footings while maintaining structural stability through the articulated connections between segments.
2Reliability
If permanent concrete footings are used, then the signs are securely anchored, but relocation to another site becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The support system employs dynamic, adjustable components including length-adjustable base supports with telescopic sections and articulating joints that can be repositioned. These dynamic features enable the system to be quickly assembled, disassembled, and relocated to different sites while maintaining secure attachment to various barrier types through adjustable mounting configurations.
3Device complexity
If fixed-length base supports are used, then the structure is simpler, but the system cannot accommodate varying median barrier heights or road elevations
Solution Approach 1:
The base supports incorporate telescopic sections with adjustable lengths and articulating joints that can be positioned at different angles and heights. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to accommodate varying median barrier heights, road elevations, and spacing between barriers while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be configured for different site conditions.
4Reliability
If trailer-mounted signs with wide base and ballast are used, then the signs are stable against high winds, but the deployment complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the ballast and wide base requirements from the sign support system by utilizing existing road barriers as the anchoring structure. The base supports attach directly to the barriers, transferring wind loads to the permanent barrier structure rather than requiring the sign system itself to provide counterbalancing weight and stability, thereby eliminating the need for trailers, ballast, and wide bases.
Data Source
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.