Flexible Message Panel Mounting With Elastic Tether

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sign systems face challenges in maintaining the angular orientation of flexible message panels against wind gusts and other loads, while also requiring improvements in manufacturing costs and wear resistance, especially when compact storage is necessary.

Innovation Solution

A novel sign system featuring an end cap with a passageway for receiving a rib end and a flexible, resiliently extendable tether, which secures the message panel to the rib and allows for slidable interengagement to maintain panel orientation and prevent relative hinging during storage and deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid pocket-like structure is used to secure message panel corners to rib ends, then the panel is held firmly in place, but the structure is costly and lacks wear resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel securing reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from rigid plastic to flexible elastomeric shock cord, transforming the securing mechanism from a rigid pocket structure to a flexible tether system that maintains reliability while reducing manufacturing costs and improving wear resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive rigid plastic pockets with inexpensive elastomeric shock cord that can be easily replaced if worn, achieving cost reduction while maintaining adequate service life through the durable elastomeric material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of operation

If flexible straps with snap fasteners are used to secure panel corners, then assembly is simplified, but the straps lack sufficient wear resistance and the fasteners add complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidstrap wear resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the snap fastener mechanism from the strap assembly, eliminating the complex fastening system while retaining the flexible strap material, thereby simplifying the overall structure and improving wear resistance by removing the fastener wear points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses simple elastomeric shock cord without complex fasteners, accepting that the cord itself will wear and can be replaced, rather than using durable but complex snap fastener systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Area of moving object

If the message panel is made larger to attract more attention, then the warning message is more impactful, but the panel becomes more susceptible to wind loading and harder to stabilize

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemessage panel areaVSAvoidwind loading

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material properties to elastomeric shock cord that can dynamically adapt to wind loading, allowing the panel to flex and move with wind forces rather than resisting them rigidly, thereby stabilizing large panels against wind loading

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic flexibility through elastomeric shock cords that can extend and contract with applied loads, allowing the message panel to move dynamically with wind forces rather than being rigidly fixed, thereby reducing wind loading effects on large panels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Loss of time

If the sign panel is deployed quickly without prediction of wind conditions, then response time is reduced, but the panel may be damaged by unexpected wind gusts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment timeVSAvoidpanel durability against wind

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-equips the panel corners with elastomeric shock cords that can absorb and cushion unexpected wind loading forces, protecting the panel from damage by sudden wind gusts while allowing rapid deployment without prior wind condition prediction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution effectively secures flexible message panels to supporting ribs, maintaining orientation and preventing angular bending, while allowing for compact storage and reduced manufacturing costs through efficient use of materials and assembly mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible, resiliently extendable tether having one end secured to the end cap and the other end for securement to the flexible message panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7637046B2Sign panel attachment

Publication Date: 2009.12.29 DICKE TOOL CO

AI summary

A mounting system is provided for flexible message panel assemblies. An end cap is secured to the panel assembly with an elastic flexible tether which allows the end cap to be fitted over an end of a rib supporting the panel. Stored force in the elastic tether holds the corner of the message panel in position.