Ground-Level Banner Mounting Bracket with Telescopic Install Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for hanging and removing flags and banners from upright structures require workers to be elevated, leading to inefficiencies, safety concerns, and disruptions, as they necessitate costly equipment, labor-intensive processes, and traffic disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a base, mounting bracket, and adapters that allow for the installation and removal of banners from the ground level without separate fasteners, using a telescopingly extendable pole with install and removal adapters that securely engage and disengage the mounting brackets from the base, eliminating the need for elevated work.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If workers are elevated to install banners on upright structures, then the banners can be properly installed at the required height, but the installation process becomes unsafe and requires expensive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the mounting bracket with integrated latch mechanism) that mediates between the worker on the ground and the banner at height. The bracket includes a latch member that can be engaged from ground level, allowing the worker to install the banner without direct manipulation at height, thus eliminating the need for expensive elevation equipment while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of elevating workers (using cranes, lifts, or scaffolding) with a ground-based mechanical system. The mounting bracket with its integrated latch mechanism allows the entire installation process to be completed from ground level by manipulating the latch member, substituting the need for complex elevation machinery with a simple ground-level operation
2Reliability
If separate fasteners are used to attach banners, then secure attachment is achieved, but the installation process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting bracket and the fastening mechanism into a single integrated component. The latch member is built into the bracket itself, eliminating the need for separate fasteners such as bolts, nuts, or clips. This integration allows the entire attachment process to be completed by a single ground-level operation of engaging the latch, dramatically improving installation efficiency while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the banner, incorporates the fastening mechanism through the integrated latch member, and enables ground-level installation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate components and simplifies the installation process, improving productivity without compromising attachment security
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional banner installation methods are used, then banners can be installed on upright structures, but traffic flow is disrupted and considerable manpower is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the banner and mounting bracket assembly from the installation process and replaces it with a pre-assembled unit that can be installed as a single component from ground level. The integrated latch mechanism allows the entire assembly to be secured without requiring workers to be at height or to use complex equipment, enabling rapid installation that minimizes traffic disruption and reduces manpower requirements
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and related methods includes a base attached to an upright structure (such as a street light pole), a mounting bracket that releasably engages the base while supporting a hanging banner, and an install adapter that releasably holds the mounting bracket and banner until the mounting bracket attaches to the base. A removal adapter facilitates disengaging the mounting bracket and banner from the base. The mounting bracket and install adapter (and removal adapter) are attached to a pole and engage (and disengage) remotely and without using separate fasteners, thus allowing a worker to install (or remove) banners high on the upright structure while standing on the ground. The base and mounting bracket have tapered shapes that wedgingly engage, secured by a spring-biased friction retainer. The install adapter and removal adapter have structures that facilitate remote install and removal of the mounting bracket from the base.