Deployable Traffic Sign With Folded Flexible Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current roll-up traffic signs require roadside assembly, which is time-consuming and poses safety risks due to manual labor in vehicular traffic environments.
Innovation Solution
A deployable sign system with a flexible panel that folds along crease lines to change size, supported by a pivotally mounted mast and base, allowing for deployment without assembly, using folding lines and adjustable or fixed mast configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prior art roll-up signs are delivered disassembled to a desired location, then the signs can be transported efficiently, but manual assembly is required on-site which is time-consuming and poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The sign panel is pre-assembled with the mast and base in a compact configuration before delivery. The folding lines are pre-created in the panel, and all components are pre-positioned to enable immediate deployment without on-site assembly, eliminating the time-consuming assembly step while maintaining transport efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The sign panel is divided into sections by folding lines that allow it to be collapsed into a compact form for transport and then rapidly deployed by unfolding. The mast is segmented into telescopic sections that can be quickly extended, enabling rapid transformation from transport to deployed state without manual assembly
2Ease of operation
If workers assemble roll-up signs on-site, then the signs can be properly configured for display, but safety risks increase due to manual labor in vehicular traffic environments
Solution Approach 1:
The complete sign assembly including mast attachment and panel configuration is performed before delivery to the roadside location. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for workers to be present in traffic environments during assembly operations, removing the safety hazard entirely while ensuring proper configuration for display
Solution Approach 2:
The sign system is designed to deploy automatically through mechanical means (unfolding panels, extending mast) without requiring human intervention during the deployment process. The system serves itself by transforming from compact to deployed state through inherent mechanical properties, eliminating worker exposure to traffic hazards
3Area of stationary object
If the flexible panel is made larger for better visibility, then the sign provides better warning to motorists, but the storage and transport size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The large sign panel is divided by folding lines into multiple sections that can be collapsed together for compact storage and then unfolded to form a large display area. This segmentation allows the panel to achieve both large display dimensions for motorist visibility and compact folded dimensions for efficient storage and transport
Solution Approach 2:
The sign panel utilizes three-dimensional folding transformations to transition between a large two-dimensional display area for visibility and a compact three-dimensional folded configuration for storage. By folding the panel along crease lines, the large area is collapsed into a smaller volume without compromising the display area when deployed
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable temporary traffic sign system requires no roadside assembly, because the sign comprises a flexible sign panel which may be changed in size merely by folding one portion of the sign panel over a second portion of the sign panel about a crease line disposed therein. The sign itself is supported on a sign stand which is pivotally mounted to a support base.