Changeable Message Sign Panel Access via Internal Removable Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current large-scale changeable message sign structures face difficulties in accessing and servicing the aperture mask and window panels from the interior, requiring external access that can disrupt traffic and pose safety risks, and existing methods often involve complex disassembly and use of difficult-to-remove sealant materials.
Innovation Solution
A sign structure design with a front panel assembly and rear panels that define a hollow interior, allowing for internal access and service through a web assembly support structure with securement slots and removable panel web assemblies, utilizing double-sided tape for disengagement and re-engagement of panels for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aperture mask and window panels are attached from the exterior with sealant materials, then the panels are securely sealed, but the panels become difficult or impossible to access for servicing without closing the highway
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture mask assembly is divided into modular segments, each capable of being independently removed and replaced from the interior of the sign structure. This segmentation allows individual panels to be serviced without affecting the entire structure or requiring external access.
Solution Approach 2:
Removable fastening components act as intermediaries between the aperture mask panels and the sign structure frame. These fasteners can be quickly detached from the interior, allowing panel removal without breaking sealant bonds that would require exterior access for replacement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If aperture mask modules are bolted together in a fixed manner, then the structure is stable, but individual modules cannot be removed or replaced without disassembling multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system transitions from a fixed, permanent connection to a dynamic, reversible connection. Removable fasteners allow the aperture mask modules to be securely attached during operation for stability, yet easily detached for maintenance without requiring disassembly of neighboring modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable fastening components are pre-configured with engagement features that align with corresponding receptacles on the aperture mask modules. This preliminary arrangement allows for rapid attachment and detachment without requiring complex alignment or disassembly procedures during maintenance operations.
3Ease of operation
If significant internal sign structure is removed to access panels from the interior, then panel access is theoretically possible, but the process becomes difficult, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening components are extracted from the interior sign structure and repositioned to be accessible from the exterior, while their fastening function remains effective for interior panel retention. This allows maintenance personnel to access and remove panels from the interior without having to remove structural elements, eliminating the need for complex disassembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A changeable message sign structure has a front panel assembly and rear, top, bottom and left and right end panels which define a hollow sign interior. The front panel assembly has a frame with upper, lower and left and right side frame members. At least two vertical support members are attached to the upper and lower frame members. The vertical support members each have a generally T-shaped cross-section with a rearwardly extending stem and left and right arms, each with arm flanges extending rearwardly to define securement slots between the arm flanges and the stem. At least one panel web assembly has frontwardly extending side flanges engaged within a securement slot of each of two neighbouring vertical support members. A web assembly support structure is pressed against the at least one panel web assembly and removably attached to the rearwardly extending stems of two neighbouring vertical support members. At least one changeable message electronic sign module is attached to the web assembly support structure. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of changing a panel web assembly in the sign structure. The method has the steps of, from the interior of the sign structure, detaching the removably attached web assembly support structure from the rearwardly extending stems of two neighbouring vertical support members, removing an exposed panel web assembly from its position against the arms, positioning a panel web assembly against the arms, pressing the web assembly support structure against the positioned panel web assembly and removably attaching same to the rearwardly extending stems.