Interchangeable Actuator Assembly for School Bus Stop Signs

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stop sign and crossing arm assemblies for vehicles like school buses require different constructions for electric motor and pneumatic actuators, leading to inefficiencies and shorter motor lifespans due to environmental stresses and uncontrolled movements.

Innovation Solution

A modular assembly design that uses a common housing and mechanical components for both electric motor and pneumatic actuators, featuring a gear motor with a lead screw and a pneumatic actuator with a spring-loaded pushrod and electro-magnet, allowing for interchangeable actuators without modification, and a dual action pressure relief valve for synchronized deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different constructions are used for electric motor and pneumatic actuators, then each actuator type can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator reliabilityVSAvoidassembly construction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a common housing and mechanical component structure that can accommodate both electric motor actuators and pneumatic actuators. The housing includes a standardized actuator mounting interface and rotor bracket assembly that works with either actuator type, allowing the same physical assembly to perform the same function regardless of whether it uses electric or pneumatic actuation. This reduces device complexity while maintaining optimized performance for each actuator type through interchangeable core components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Speed

If actuators are directly connected to environmental forces, then the system responds quickly to external conditions, but the actuator lifespan decreases due to uncontrolled movements and environmental stresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidactuator lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning through the mechanical components housed within the common housing, which include mechanisms to absorb and dampen environmental forces before they reach the actuator. The rotor bracket and associated mechanical linkages are designed to provide controlled movement and reduce the impact of external stresses such as wind, vibration, and physical impacts. This cushioning effect protects the actuator from uncontrolled movements while maintaining the system's ability to respond to legitimate operational signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If actuator substitution requires modification to the assembly, then the system can be customized for specific applications, but the ease of manufacture and maintenance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator type flexibilityVSAvoidassembly manufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the actuator assembly into distinct, interchangeable modules: the actuator itself (electric or pneumatic), the rotor bracket, and the common housing. The actuator is designed as a separate, self-contained unit that can be removed and replaced without modifying the housing or other mechanical components. The housing includes standardized mounting features that accept either actuator type, enabling easy substitution during manufacturing or maintenance while maintaining adaptability to different actuator technologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution extends the lifespan of the actuator by decoupling it from environmental forces, ensuring reliable and synchronized operation of stop signs and crossing arms, and allows for easy substitution between actuator types without altering the assembly, enhancing operational stability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

pneumatic actuator with a spring-loaded pushrod and electro-magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

spring-loaded pushrod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

gear motor with a lead screw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS11414010B2Stop sign and crossing arm assemblies for school buses, stop signs for stop sign assemblies, and attachment system for connecting stop signs to stop signs assemblies

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 ST CLAIR TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

An assembly includes a common parts sub-assembly, an actuator, a physical appendage, and a mounting bracket. The common parts sub-assembly includes a rotor bracket and a housing. The actuator is connected to the rotor bracket to cause the rotor bracket to rotate during actuator actuation. The actuator and the rotor bracket connected thereto are housed within the housing. The mounting bracket connects the physical appendage to the rotor bracket whereby the physical appendage moves between stowed and deployed positions during actuator actuation. The actuator is either an electric motor actuator or a pneumatic actuator that are substitutable with one another to assemble the assembly without modification to the common parts sub-assembly or the physical appendage. The physical appendage may be either a stop sign or a crossing guard arm that are substitutable with one another to assemble the assembly without modification to the common parts sub-assembly or the actuator.