Foldable A-Frame Sign With Segmented Cross Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible sign technologies, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,371,964, 6,606,809, and 8,122,629, fail to provide a stable 'A' frame structure that can support flexible signage on both sides and fold for easy storage and transportation, as they either lack stability or do not collapse for storage in a bag.
Innovation Solution
A foldable 'A' frame floor sign with multiple cross members that folds in two dimensions, allowing the sign to be stored in a bag by folding at the apex and bringing sides together, featuring hinged caps, sliding hinges, and locking arms to secure the sign, forming a dense elongated structure for compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the sign structure is made rigid and stable to resist wind and uneven surfaces, then stability is improved, but the structure cannot be collapsed for storage in a bag
Solution Approach 1:
The sign structure is divided into multiple segments including adjustable legs with extension sections, a modular frame with collapsible sides, and separable components. This segmentation allows the structure to be stable when assembled while enabling collapse and compact storage when disassembled, directly resolving the contradiction between stability and collapsibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure incorporates dynamic elements such as telescopic legs with locking mechanisms, hinges at the apex allowing the frame to collapse, and adjustable cross members. These dynamic features enable the structure to transition between a stable expanded state for display and a collapsed compact state for storage in a bag.
2Ease of operation
If the sign structure is made collapsible for easy storage, then ease of operation is improved, but stability against wind and uneven surfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible structure maintains stability through segmented design with multiple locking points. The legs can be extended and locked at various heights, cross members can be positioned at different locations, and the frame segments connect with secure hinges, ensuring stability even though the structure is designed to collapse for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure uses dynamic locking mechanisms that provide rigidity when extended and stability when collapsed. The telescopic legs include locking pins or clips that secure the extended position, while hinges allow controlled collapse to a compact configuration, maintaining stability in both states.
3Area of stationary object
If traditional 'A' frame dimensions are maintained for display, then visibility and display effectiveness are improved, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display structure uses segmented, telescopic legs that can be adjusted to maintain traditional A-frame dimensions for optimal visibility. However, the same segmented design allows the legs to collapse inward and the frame to fold, reducing storage volume to fit in a compact bag, thus resolving the contradiction between display area and storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible structure employs a nesting principle where the legs and frame segments fold into each other, with cross members nesting within the leg structures. This nesting allows the display structure to maintain full A-frame dimensions when deployed while compressing to a small portable size for storage.
4Strength
If multiple cross members are added to improve stability and support, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structure incorporates multiple cross members that are themselves segmented and telescopic, matching the modular design of the legs. This segmentation allows the cross members to be easily assembled and disassembled, maintaining structural strength when deployed while keeping the overall system relatively simple and manageable despite the multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
Improvements in a foldable sign are disclosed. The sign provide a foldable “A” frame floor sign that folds for easy storage. The folding sign generally includes An “A” frame. The “A” frame provides a stable platform with multiple cross members that support the sign from wind or uneven surfaces. The “A” frame folds in two dimensions to create a dense elongated collapsed structure. The storage is by folding the structure at the apex of the “A” frame and bringing the sides together. Because the sign is flexible, the sign can be folded or wrapped around the collapsed frame. In this dense elongated collapsed structure the folding sign can be placed in an elongated storage bag. While the sign is folded for storage and transportation, when the sign is expanded it essentially resembles traditional “A” frame structures with the same overall dimensions.