Foldable Pyramidal Signaling Assembly with Integrated Base

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing signaling products are either complex to assemble and disassemble, require external elements for formation, or lack a stable base for attachment, making them inefficient for raising awareness of civic issues in public spaces.

Innovation Solution

A cone-type signaling assembly with a foldable pyramidal main body and a base that includes a support system for secure attachment to various surfaces, allowing for easy transportation and deployment while maintaining stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the signaling product uses a detachable polyhedron structure that converts between three-dimensional and flat shapes, then it becomes portable and space-efficient, but it requires user knowledge to assemble and disassemble, increasing operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The signaling device is divided into a base structure and a pyramidal body that can be separated. The base remains stationary while the pyramidal body can be folded flat against the base for transport, then erected for signaling. This segmentation allows automatic assembly through gravity and simple mechanical engagement rather than requiring complex user manipulation of multiple detachable parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pyramidal body is designed to automatically assume its three-dimensional signaling position once deployed, using its own weight and the mechanical properties of its folding structure. The base provides a stable foundation that guides the pyramidal body into its correct position, eliminating the need for user knowledge of assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If the signaling product uses a pyramidal structure formed by lifting and tensioning a tensioning cable, then it achieves a stable three-dimensional shape, but it depends on external elements for formation, increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidformation dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The external tensioning cable mechanism is completely removed from the design. Instead, the pyramidal structure achieves stability through its own folded geometry and the mechanical interlocking between the base and the pyramidal body. The structure self-supports itself through its shape and the permanent joints at the edges, eliminating dependency on external formation elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than using tension forces from external cables to create the pyramidal shape, the invention uses compression and gravitational forces. The pyramidal body is designed to collapse flat for transport, then automatically erect itself when placed on the base, using gravity to provide the force needed for formation rather than requiring external tensioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If the pyramidal signaling object is folded by a folding line without a base or support, then it becomes foldable for transport, but it becomes difficult to attach to surfaces or objects, reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefoldabilityVSAvoidattachment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base and the pyramidal body are permanently joined along at least one edge, creating a single integrated unit that cannot separate during use. This permanent joint ensures that the pyramidal structure remains attached to its support base, providing reliable attachment to surfaces while maintaining the ability to fold flat for transport. The permanent joint eliminates the risk of detachment that would occur with detachable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base is designed with attachment features (such as adhesive surfaces or mechanical anchoring elements) that are prepared in advance to secure the pyramidal body once deployed. The folding structure is pre-configured with hinge lines that guide the erection process, ensuring that when the device is placed on a surface, it automatically attaches and stabilizes without requiring additional attachment actions by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4365878B1Signaling assembly
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 PÉREZ CORRAL ROBERTO
  • EP4365878B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4365878B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4365878B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a signalling assembly comprising a pyramid-shaped main body (1) with at least three side faces (1a, 1b and 1c) and a base (1d) and at least one support joined by the base (1d) when inserted through a housing (2) of the base (1d) of the main body (1). Wherein the signalling assembly is used to signal and make a social problem visible. The signalling assembly (1) is characterised in that it is foldable and in that the three side faces (1a, 1b and 1c) are permanently connected by lateral edges of the side faces (1a, 1b, 1c) and a base (1d) permanently connected to at least one side face (1c) by means of at least one strip (7). Wherein at least one side face (1a) comprises a folding line (10) from the top vertex (V) to the midpoint (M) of the base of the side face (1a).