Extruded Sign Bracket with Integrated Groove for Visible Fastener Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sign construction methods are limited in accommodating a wide range of dimensions without increasing costs or compromising aesthetics and stability, as they often require changes in component profiles or gauges, and existing designs have structural weaknesses due to visible fastening methods.
Innovation Solution
A structural bracket with a profile comprising a sign body groove, C-bracket, and interlocking sign hanger, which can be fabricated using extrusion methods, providing a consistent cross-section and allowing for customizable lengths without changing the gauge, and enabling secure attachment without visible fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional sign construction methods are used with visible fasteners, then structural stability is achieved, but aesthetic quality deteriorates due to visible screws and welding dimples
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket and sign body are merged into a single integrated extruded component, eliminating the need for separate fasteners. The sign body groove is formed as an integral part of the bracket structure, allowing the sign body to be secured through the groove geometry itself rather than through visible screws or welds from the exposed side.
Solution Approach 2:
The sign body groove acts as an intermediary structural feature that mediates between the bracket and the sign body. This groove provides a recessed channel that receives and secures the sign body through geometric constraint, eliminating the need for direct fastening elements that would be visible on the exposed surface.
2Length of stationary object
If sign dimensions are increased to accommodate larger signs, then visibility and advertising effectiveness are improved, but construction cost increases due to required changes in component profiles and gauges
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed as a universal component with a consistent profile that can accommodate various sign dimensions and configurations. The same basic bracket design with its integrated sign body groove can be used for small, medium, and large signs by simply adjusting the length of the bracket rather than changing its cross-sectional profile or gauge.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter changes in length while maintaining constant cross-sectional profile and gauge. The bracket can be extruded in various lengths to accommodate different sign dimensions, and the consistent profile enables cost-effective manufacturing through standard extrusion processes regardless of the sign size.
3Strength
If metal gauge is increased to meet stability requirements for larger signs, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to custom fabrication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The structural strength is achieved through segmentation of functions within the bracket design. The integrated sign body groove provides geometric constraint and support, while the C-bracket portion provides lateral support and mounting capability. This functional segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific role rather than requiring uniform thickening of the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket utilizes composite structural design combining different geometric features (sign body groove, C-bracket configuration) within a single extruded profile. This composite geometry provides enhanced structural efficiency, allowing the use of thinner metal gauges while maintaining required strength through optimized structural form rather than relying solely on increased material thickness.
4Stability of the object's composition
If cross bracing is added to maintain stability for larger signs, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing function is merged into the primary bracket structure through the integrated sign body groove and C-bracket design. Rather than adding separate cross bracing elements, the bracket itself is configured to provide both mounting functionality and structural stability through its geometric design, eliminating the need for additional bracing components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a simple, inventive sign bracket for use in the creation of signs of surprising structural integrity in a range of dimensions, said bracket characterized by a profile comprising a sign body, a C-bracket, and optionally an interlocking sign hanger and/or an angle retainer.