Foldable Road Sign Structure Using Segmented Hinged Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temporary roadside signage is heavy, cumbersome, and difficult to deploy and move due to its four-legged steel frame, necessitating a more portable and easily deployable solution.
Innovation Solution
A foldable temporary road sign structure composed of three interconnected panels - a display panel, a base panel, and a brace panel - connected by parallel hinge lines, allowing for self-supporting configuration with the display panel held upright by the brace panel when the base panel is placed on the ground, and featuring releasable engagement mechanisms and apertures for stabilization and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional four-legged steel frame structure is used, then stability and durability are improved, but weight and ease of deployment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sign structure is divided into three separate panels (display panel, base panel, brace panel) that can be independently folded and articulated. This segmentation allows the structure to be lightweight yet stable when assembled, as each panel can be optimized independently and the overall structure can be collapsed for easy transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure uses hinge lines to create dynamic, movable connections between panels, allowing the sign to be deployed from a flat compact state to a three-dimensional stable configuration. The hinge joints enable the structure to adapt between transport and operational states, providing stability only when needed.
2Reliability
If conventional four-legged steel frame structure is used, then stability and durability are improved, but ease of deployment and mobility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the structure into three separable panels connected by hinge lines, the sign can be easily deployed by simply unfolding the panels from a flat configuration. This eliminates the need for complex assembly procedures required by conventional four-legged frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge-line connected panels transition from a flat, compact state during transport to a three-dimensional stable configuration during deployment. This dynamic transformation allows the structure to be both easy to deploy and stable in use, without requiring complex assembly mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If sheet material with hinge lines is used, then ease of deployment and storage are improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet material is cut into three specific panels with defined hinge lines, creating a segmented structure that maintains strength through proper geometric design. The segmentation allows for easy deployment while the specific panel configurations ensure structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure uses a composite construction combining sheet material panels with reinforcing elements at the hinge lines and engagement points. This composite approach maintains the ease of deployment provided by the folded sheet material while adding the structural strength needed for stable operation.
4Ease of operation
If releasable engagement mechanism is used, then ease of assembly and disassembly are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The releasable engagement mechanism is implemented through simple geometric features on the segmented panels, such as tabs that fit into slots or interlocking edges. This segmentation allows for easy assembly and disassembly without requiring complex mechanisms, as each panel can be independently engaged or disengaged.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable temporary road sign structure comprises a sheet material substrate cut into a flat pattern having three interconnected panels: a display panel; a base panel; and a brace panel. The panels are formed to enable deployment into a self-supporting configuration in which the display panel is held upright when the base panel is placed on the ground. For transportation between sites the base and brace panels can be folded flat against the display panel whereby respective handle align for ease of carrying. Various apertures and formations are provided to enable the road sign structure to be held in place, when deployed, by roadside fixtures or weighted bollards.