Deformable Backplate Assembly for Traffic Signal Wind Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traffic control device backplates enhance visibility but increase wind resistance, leading to potential damage and detachment, as existing solutions like perforations or reduced width do not adequately minimize wind load without compromising visibility.
Innovation Solution
A resiliently deformable backplate assembly with first and second side flanges that bend in response to external forces, such as wind, formed from a combination of rigid and flexible materials, allowing the flanges to remain rigid at low wind speeds and bend at higher speeds to reduce wind resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a backplate is provided to enhance visibility of traffic control devices, then visibility is improved, but wind resistance increases leading to potential damage or detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The backplate incorporates resiliently deformable side flanges that can dynamically change their configuration in response to wind forces. The flanges are designed to remain substantially rigid at low wind speeds for visibility, but bend or deflect at higher wind speeds to reduce wind resistance and prevent damage
Solution Approach 2:
The backplate utilizes materials with specific resilient properties and designs the flanges with controlled rigidity characteristics. The side flanges are made from resiliently deformable materials that allow them to maintain rigidity under normal conditions while yielding under excessive wind load, effectively changing their mechanical parameters based on environmental conditions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If backplate width is reduced to minimize wind load, then wind resistance is decreased, but visibility of the signal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of permanently reducing backplate width, the invention uses dynamically deformable flanges that maintain full width for visibility when needed but can bend inward or outward to present a smaller profile to the wind when wind speeds increase, effectively adjusting the wind-catching surface area in real-time
3Stability of the object's composition
If backplate material is made more rigid to maintain stability, then structural stability is improved, but wind resistance increases leading to greater likelihood of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The backplate uses resiliently deformable materials that exhibit conditional rigidity - maintaining structural stability and rigidity under normal operating conditions for stability, but capable of yielding and deforming under excessive wind loads to reduce the harmful effects of high wind resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient nature of the backplate material provides a cushioning effect against wind forces. The material is designed to absorb and dissipate wind energy through controlled deformation, protecting the traffic control device from the full force of extreme winds while maintaining structural integrity
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 deformable backplate assembly reduces wind resistance and associated damage to traffic control devices while maintaining visibility, thereby minimizing costs and disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
first and second side flanges (22, 24) resiliently deformable. The side flanges may be formed to remain rigid, that is, resisting bending in response to wind forces of 40 mph or less and to bend only about 45 degrees in response to wind speeds between about 40 mph and 80 mph
Data Source
AI summary
A traffic control device, such as a traffic signal light housing, with a resiliently deformable back plate assembly. The backplate assembly comprises side flanges that bend or deform in response to external forces such as high winds and blowing debris. In one embodiment, rigid side flanges include a hinge or joint formed of an elastomeric material. This multi-directional wind-dampening backplate renders the housing more aerodynamic and benefits the entire signal structure, including mast arms, poles, and span wire systems.