Elevated Sign System with Ground Level Change-out Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sign systems for point of purchase advertising, especially those elevated above shopper reach, pose safety concerns during sign changes as they often require the use of ladders, which can be hazardous. Additionally, these systems may be complex, difficult to use, or lack aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A sign system with a hidden integral vertical adjustment structure that allows for safe and easy lowering of signs to ground level for change-out without a ladder, featuring a slideable sign frame assembly with V-shaped docking and locking portions for controlled movement, and a sign change tool for ground-level operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the sign is elevated above shopper reach, then the sign is visible to consumers, but it requires the use of a ladder for sign change-out, creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The sign system incorporates a telescoping support structure that allows the sign to be dynamically adjusted between an elevated display position and a lowered maintenance position. The support rods can extend to raise the sign above shopper reach for visibility, and retract to lower the sign to ground level for safe sign change-out without requiring a ladder.
2Ease of operation
If the vertical adjustment structure is made visible, then it provides functional capability, but it compromises aesthetic appeal to consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping support rods are nested within the hollow frame members of the sign assembly. When the sign is in its elevated display position, the support rods are completely contained within the frame structure, making them invisible to consumers. The functional adjustment capability is preserved while the aesthetic appearance is maintained.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sign is lowered to ground level for change-out, then safety is improved, but the sign must be raised back to elevated position after change-out
Solution Approach 1:
The sign system is divided into separable components including the sign face, frame assembly, and telescoping support structure. The sign face can be independently removed from the frame at ground level after lowering, allowing quick replacement without requiring the entire assembly to be repeatedly raised and lowered. This reduces the time loss associated with sign maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A sign system particularly useful for point of purchase advertising that is elevated above the reach of shoppers. A slideable sign frame assembly carrying a sign is slideably attached to a normally hidden sign frame assembly supporting apparatus. The sign frame assembly and the supporting apparatus both carry pairs of cooperating slots of predetermined dimensions and configuration that together with a plurality of bolts, one for each slot, provide for the sign frame assembly and the supporting apparatus to be physically connected to one another while at the same time permit movement of the sign assembly relative to the supporting apparatus in the vertical direction. The bolts in cooperation with associated slots permit the raising and lowering of the sign assembly for change-out of the sign from ground level. A sign change-out tool is used to raise and lower the sign assembly.