Delineator Post Self-Restoration via Elastic Rod
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delineator posts are prone to being tilted or broken when subjected to external forces from vehicles, such as being bumped or trampled by tires, leading to a loss of functionality.
Innovation Solution
A delineator post with a restoration function, featuring a base panel, a delineator body, and a restoration rod with elastic members that allow the delineator body to return to its original position after being tilted or laid down, utilizing a combination of mechanical and elastic components for stability and self-restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the delineator post uses a rigid integrated structure made of synthetic resin, then it provides stable support and maintains shape, but it is prone to being pulled out, separated, or broken when subjected to external forces from vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The delineator post is divided into separate components: a bottom plate and a rod-shaped body that can move relative to each other. The body is no longer rigidly integrated but can tilt independently within a range, allowing it to absorb impact forces without breaking or being pulled out from the bottom plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic movable connection. The rod-shaped body can tilt and return to its original position through a restoration mechanism, enabling the structure to adapt to external forces and recover automatically, improving reliability under vehicle impact.
2Shape
If the delineator post uses a fixed rigid structure, then it maintains its position and shape, but it cannot restore itself after being tilted or laid down by external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The delineator post incorporates a restoration mechanism that enables self-restoration without external intervention. When the rod-shaped body is tilted by external forces, the restoration rod and elastic member automatically generate restoring forces to return the body to its upright position, providing self-service functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in elastic potential energy and mechanical force parameters. The elastic member stores energy when deformed during tilting and releases it to restore the original position. The restoration rod converts these parameter changes into mechanical motion that returns the body to its initial state.
3Ease of manufacture
If the delineator post uses a simple integrated structure, then it is easy to manufacture, but it lacks the restoration function and is easily damaged by external forces
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the structure into manufacturable components (bottom plate, rod-shaped body, restoration rod, elastic member), each part can be manufactured separately using standard processes and then assembled. This maintains ease of manufacture while enabling the complex restoration functionality that improves reliability.
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 delineator post effectively restores its original shape after external forces are applied, ensuring continued functionality and stability through the use of elastic members and a restoration rod, preventing damage and maintaining visibility for drivers.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic member accommodated in the disposition space of the delineator body to elastically connect the base panel to the delineator body
Data Source
AI summary
A delineator post with a restoration function includes a base panel, a delineator body fixed to the base panel and a tubular elastic band connecting the base panel and the delineator body. The delineator body has a disposition space formed therein. The tubular elastic band extends from the base panel to the top of the delineator body through the disposition space. The delineator post further includes a restoration rod having an upper portion inserted into the disposition space of the delineator body and capable of restoring the delineator body. In this configuration, when the delineator post is tilted by an external force caused by a vehicle or laid down by being trampled by a tire of a vehicle, the delineator post may restore its original shape by the above configuration of the restoration rod.