Flexible Route Marker With Elastomeric Base And Reflective Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rigid route markers are prone to damage from vehicle impacts and do not provide adequate visibility, while flexible markers lack the necessary durability and visibility.

Innovation Solution

A flexible route marker composed of elastomeric materials with a sandwiched impact-resistant plastic post, reinforced with polyurethane caps and reflective coatings, secured to a metallic base for enhanced resilience and visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid posts are used to carry signs and demarcate zones, then visibility and structural strength are improved, but the posts are prone to damage from vehicle impacts and require frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidresistance to vehicle impact

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by replacing rigid posts with flexible posts made of elastomeric materials that can bend and return to their original position after vehicle impact, eliminating the need for frequent replacement while maintaining visibility through integrated reflective elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies this principle by combining elastomeric flexible material with reflective materials and reinforcing structures to create a composite post that simultaneously achieves flexibility for impact resistance and visibility for signaling functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If flexible posts are used to withstand vehicle impact, then resistance to damage is improved, but visibility and marking capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to vehicle impactVSAvoidvisibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by integrating reflective materials into the flexible post structure, creating a composite that maintains high visibility through light reflection while preserving the elastomeric material's ability to bend and recover from vehicle impacts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If flexible members are made more resilient to withstand impact, then resistance to vehicle impact is improved, but the frequency and severity of impacts increase leading to greater damage risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to vehicle impactVSAvoiddamage to vehicle

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by designing the flexible post to absorb and dissipate impact energy through controlled deformation, converting the harmful impact force into beneficial elastic deformation that protects both the post and the vehicle from damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 route marker withstands vehicle impacts, returns to its original position, and maintains high visibility due to its elastomeric and reflective features, reducing maintenance and damage risks.

Implementation Method 1

the post having a reflective material thereon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The flexible members are preferably formed of an elastomeric material and most preferably are formed of a rubber material. The flexible members are sized to provide the desired resiliency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7473051B2Flexible route marker

Publication Date: 2009.01.06 AUDET SYLVAIN

AI summary

A flexible route marker post which comprises an upright post having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end having first and second flexible members secured thereto, the lower end of the flexible members being secured to a base, the arrangement being such that there is a bending zone in between the upright post and the base. The upper end and the lower end of the post have a reinforcing material extending thereabout.