Flexible Braille Signage on Railings Using UV-Cured Ink Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Braille signage on railings is not adaptable to existing structures and lacks flexibility, making it difficult to install on existing railings, and there is a need for signage that can assist visually impaired persons during emergency evacuations when elevators are inoperable.
Innovation Solution
Flexible Braille indicia signage is created using a flexible substrate with multiple layers of ultra-violet curable ink, allowing the Braille to maintain height and adhere to the substrate even when flexed in an arc, enabling easy installation on various railing diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional Braille signage is manufactured with rigid materials, then the Braille indicia maintains structural stability, but it cannot conform to existing railings with varying diameters and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible substrate that can conform to the curved surfaces of existing railings. The substrate's flexibility allows the signage to adapt to various railing diameters and shapes while maintaining the integrity of the Braille indicia through specialized ink layers that prevent separation during flexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining a flexible substrate with multiple layers of specialized ink (including UV-curable ink and elastomeric ink). This composite structure provides both the flexibility needed to conform to railings and the structural stability required to maintain raised Braille character integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple layers of ink are applied to create raised Braille indicia, then the tactile height is improved for visually impaired persons, but the Braille may separate from the substrate when flexed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by changing the physical and chemical parameters of the ink layers. Specifically, it uses UV-curable ink that transitions from a liquid state during application to a solid state after curing, and elastomeric ink that provides flexibility. These parameter changes enable the ink to adhere firmly to the flexible substrate even when multiple layers are applied to achieve the required Braille height.
3Ease of operation
If existing railings are used for Braille signage installation, then the ease of operation and accessibility are improved, but the signage must be customized for each railing's specific diameter and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by designing a universal flexible signage system that can be installed on various types of existing railings regardless of their diameter or shape. The flexible substrate combined with specialized ink layers creates a multi-functional solution that adapts to different railing configurations without requiring custom manufacturing for each specific railing, thereby simplifying the installation process.
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
The flexible Braille signage effectively provides directional information without separating from the substrate, ensuring clear navigation for visually impaired individuals during emergencies, even on existing railings with varying diameters.
Implementation Method 1
The printing of the first layer of ink is preferably performed in a matte finish with ultra-violet curable ink. The printing the multiple layers of ink and the printing the sealing layer of ink are preferably performed with ultra-violet curable ink
Data Source
AI summary
Flexible braille indicia signage and methods are provided. Preferably, the flexible braille indicia signage takes the form of braille directional identifiers for use on railings or the like. In one example, the braille indicia signage is made by providing a flexible substrate and printing a first layer of ink on a first side of the flexible substrate in a pattern defining desired braille indicia. Multiple layers of ink are then printed in registration with the pattern atop of the first layer of ink such that the desired braille indicia has a height of at least 0.6 mm (0.79 mm for braille directional identifiers) relative to the first side of the substrate. A sealing layer of ink is then printed atop the substrate and multiple layers of ink. The result is a braille sign with braille indicia that does not separate from the substrate on a condition that a portion of the substrate bearing the braille indicia is flexed in an arc of a 10 mm, i.e. 7/16 inch, radius circle, such as, for example, when the braille indicia sign is a braille directional identifier affixed to a railing having a 20 mm, i.e. ⅞ inch, or greater diameter.