Elastomer Partition for Signal Tower Labeling and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal towers and signal lights face challenges in efficiently shading segments and attaching labels due to the use of hard plastic separating elements, which require separate manufacturing and assembly efforts, and often necessitate additional identification elements.
Innovation Solution
The use of an elastomer-based separating element that allows for mechanical attachment of labels, provides an integrated seal, and can be designed to absorb or reflect light for shading, reducing manufacturing and assembly complexity and enabling individualized information encoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hard plastic separating elements are used, then structural strength is maintained, but label attachment difficulty increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separating element combines hard plastic providing structural strength with elastomer providing label attachment capability. The hard plastic forms the structural body while the elastomer forms a surface area where labels can be mechanically attached, eliminating the need for separate labeling components and simplifying manufacturing.
2Reliability
If separate O-ring seals are used, then sealing function is provided, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer material integrates both the separating function and the sealing function into a single component. The elastomer forms a continuous surface that provides both the label attachment area and the sealing interface, eliminating the need for separate O-ring seals and reducing assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a compliant surface for label attachment, creates the sealing interface between housing elements, and maintains the separating function. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components required.
3Stability of the object's composition
If hard plastic separating elements are used, then structural stability is maintained, but shading function requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer surface area is specifically designed with optical properties suitable for shading functions. By localizing the elastomer material to the separating surface, the patent achieves shading functionality without requiring additional separate shading components, while maintaining overall structural stability through the hard plastic body.
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
This solution simplifies label attachment, reduces assembly effort, and enhances sealing and shading functionality, while allowing for customizable information and reduced friction in rotating connections, thereby improving the overall efficiency and versatility of signal devices.
Implementation Method 1
A separating element according to the invention can also be designed to be opaque to visible light in the area formed from elastomer in order to cause mutual shading between individual housing elements of the signaling device
Implementation Method 2
the separating element is at least partially made of elastomer
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a signaling device such as a signal tower, a signal light, or the like, comprising a housing made of at least two housing elements (2) arranged adjacent to one another along a longitudinal axis (A) of the signaling device, wherein a separating element (3) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis (A) is attached to at least one of the at least two housing elements (2) as a partition between them. The signaling device is characterized in that the separating element (3) is at least partially made of elastomer.