Delineator Mounting System With Pivoting Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional traffic delineators are difficult to install and replace quickly, lack durability against high-speed vehicle impacts, and are vulnerable to damage from motor vehicles and pedestrians, necessitating a solution for rapid and secure surface mounting on various surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A delineator mounting system featuring a base with a cavity and aperture, coupled with legs that securely fasten the delineator, utilizing adhesive retention ribs and flexible polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer for impact resistance, and allowing adjustable mounting on sloped surfaces through a pivoting mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional delineators are installed using traditional methods, then installation simplicity is maintained, but installation speed and security are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a base unit with adhesive backing, a coupling mechanism with legs, and the delineator itself. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly by simply attaching components together rather than performing complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling acts as an intermediary component between the base and the delineator, providing a standardized interface that enables quick attachment and detachment. The coupling's legs interfitt with the base cavity and extend through the aperture to secure the delineator, creating a modular assembly system.
2Strength
If conventional delineators are designed for simplicity, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but durability against vehicle impacts is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The base is constructed using adhesive retention ribs with flexible polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer, combining adhesive bonding strength with flexible impact absorption. This composite approach provides both durability against vehicle impacts and structural integrity without requiring complex reinforcement designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer in the adhesive retention ribs provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing impact energy before it reaches the base structure. This pre-cushioning mechanism protects the delineator from vehicle impacts and pedestrian damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional delineators use fixed mounting, then installation is straightforward, but adaptability to sloped surfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism incorporates a pivoting capability that allows adjustment of the delineator's orientation relative to the base. This dynamic adjustment feature enables adaptation to sloped surfaces by permitting the delineator to be positioned at different angles, while the pivoting mechanism itself adds minimal complexity to the overall system.
4Reliability
If conventional delineators lack secure fastening, then installation is quick, but security against removal by pedestrians and vehicles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling legs are nested within the base cavity structure, with at least one leg interfitted with the cavity and another extending through the aperture. This nested arrangement creates a secure fastening mechanism where the delineator is firmly held in place, preventing removal by pedestrians or vehicles while maintaining quick installation through simple assembly.
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
Enables quick, secure, and durable installation of traffic delineators on both level and sloped surfaces, resisting vehicle impacts and pedestrian damage, with easy replacement and enhanced adhesive security.
Implementation Method 1
adhesive retention ribs having planar bottoms and spaced sides to form adhesive retention cavities
Data Source
AI summary
Traffic delineators may be surface mounted on either level or sloped surfaces. A delineator mounting system adapted for the surface-mounting of a delineator includes a base having a generally-planar bottom surface, a cavity in the base, a top surface, and walls forming an aperture through the top surface to the cavity. A coupling has legs, with at least one leg being interfitted with the cavity of the base, and at least one other leg extending through the aperture of the base. A delineator is fastened to the leg of the coupling extending through the aperture of the base.