Flag Furl Prevention Device Using Static Support Rod

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flag furl prevention devices are complex, expensive, and introduce additional stress on flags, often requiring rotational movements or multiple components, which fail to effectively prevent flag wrapping around flagstaffs in windy conditions.

Innovation Solution

A simple, one-piece flag furl prevention device with a static support rod and mounting ring that secures to the flagstaff and flag, preventing rotation and ensuring the flag remains taut without additional components or stress, designed to fit any existing flagstaff and flag size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing flag furl prevention devices are used, then flag wrapping is prevented, but device complexity and cost increase, and additional stress is applied to the flag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflag wrapping preventionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two functional segments: a mounting ring that attaches to the flagstaff and a support rod that attaches to the flag. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effectiveness in preventing flag wrapping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts only the essential function needed to prevent flag wrapping - a static support structure - and eliminates all unnecessary rotational movements, multiple components, and complex mechanisms found in existing devices. This leaves a simple, one-piece solution that addresses the core problem without adding complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If existing flag furl prevention devices are used, then flag wrapping is prevented, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflag wrapping preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device consists of only two simple components - a mounting ring and a support rod - that can be manufactured using basic fabrication processes. This segmentation into simple geometric forms dramatically reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to complex multi-component devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support rod and mounting ring are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured from common materials. The simplicity of the design allows for low-cost production while maintaining the essential function of preventing flag wrapping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If existing flag furl prevention devices are used, then flag wrapping is prevented, but additional stress is applied to the flag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflag wrapping preventionVSAvoidflag stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes all unnecessary mechanical stressors from the system - no rotational movements, no multiple connection points, no complex fastening mechanisms. Only the essential support function remains, applied through simple attachment to the flagstaff and flag, minimizing stress on the flag material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of allowing the flag to rotate and wrap around the flagstaff (the natural tendency), the invention inverts the approach by providing a static support structure that prevents rotation from occurring in the first place. This passive prevention method avoids the dynamic stress of rotational movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Ease of operation

If rotational movement mechanisms are used, then flag can be stored by folding, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflag storageVSAvoidflag wrapping prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the essential support function and eliminates all rotational movement mechanisms. The static support rod provides continuous wrapping prevention without the complexity and reliability issues of movable parts, while still allowing the flag to be displayed properly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using rotational movement to enable storage (as in existing devices), the invention inverts the approach by using a static structure that prevents wrapping entirely. The flag can still be stored or adjusted by simple manual manipulation without requiring complex rotational mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10074296B2Flag furl prevention device

Publication Date: 2018.09.11 LYONS CHARLES P

AI summary

A support assembly for maintaining a flag or banner in a properly displayed manner while mounted on a flag staff, especially when the flag staff is at an angle from vertical, and no matter the wind or other weather conditions.