Handheld Sign With Integrated Electronic Sound Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handheld signs for traffic control, particularly in construction sites and school zones, face challenges in effectively alerting pedestrians and motorists due to the limitations of traditional whistles, which can spread germs and require the operator's hand to be occupied, while battery-powered lights are less effective in capturing attention.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight handheld sign with a rechargeable or disposable battery-powered electronic sound device integrated into the handle member, allowing for the emission of warning sounds like a whistle, siren, or other electronic alerts without requiring the operator to blow a whistle, and enabling the other hand to direct traffic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a traditional whistle is used to alert motorists and pedestrians, then the warning sound is effective in capturing attention, but the operator's hand is occupied and germs can be spread into the air

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegerm spreadVSAvoidhand freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of blowing a whistle with an electronic sound generation system. The electronic sound device produces warning sounds without requiring the operator to blow air, thereby eliminating germ spread while maintaining hand freedom for traffic direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electronic sound device as an intermediary between the operator's intent to warn and the actual warning sound production. This intermediary system generates sounds electronically rather than through direct human breath, solving both the germ spread and hand occupation problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If battery-powered lights are added to the handheld sign, then the sign provides visual warnings to drivers and pedestrians, but the visual effects are not as effective as the piercing sound of a whistle in arresting attention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual warning capabilityVSAvoidattention capture effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines electronic sound devices with the handheld sign structure, integrating both visual (from the sign itself) and auditory (from the electronic sound device) warning capabilities into a single unit. This merging provides both visual and auditory warnings simultaneously, overcoming the limitation of lights alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld sign is enhanced to serve multiple functions: traditional visual signaling through the sign face, electronic auditory warning through the sound device, and extended functionality through the pole attachment option. This multi-functionality makes the device adaptable to various traffic control situations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If an electronic sound device is integrated into the handheld sign, then the operator's hand remains free for directing traffic, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand freedomVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic sound device is nested within the existing handheld sign structure, utilizing the handle and body of the sign to house the electronic components, battery, and sound output mechanisms. This nesting approach minimizes additional complexity by integrating new components into the existing form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld sign structure is designed to serve multiple functions: traditional visual signaling, electronic auditory warning, and structural support for optional pole attachment. This universal design allows the same basic structure to support multiple functionalities without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides an effective and germ-free means to alert pedestrians and motorists, ensuring the operator's hand remains free for directing, enhancing safety and attention capture beyond visual cues.

Implementation Method 1

An electronic sound device powered by at least one rechargeable, or disposable battery and positioned inside the sign's handle member or pole structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy to acoustic energy conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS11837076B2Handheld sign with warning system

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 STRINGER THEORY

AI summary

A handheld warning sign including front and back with at least one side having a predetermined color and warning information printed directly on the sign. A handle member is fastened to the bottom of the sign enabling it to be handheld. A longer pole extension structure can be attached to the sign handle member enabling it to extend to the ground allowing the sign to be used as a handheld sign. An electronic sound device is positioned within the handle member of the sign and connected to a battery and a off and on power switch. When the sound device is activated it produces a warning sound like a whistle, siren or other warning sounds to attract the attention of motorists or pedestrians so that they can safely follow the directions of the safety personnel.