Helium-Free Balloon Bracket with Modular Clamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional marketing display systems are difficult to secure to non-traditional surfaces, lack versatility, and are not strong enough to handle large displays like oversized helium balloons, especially in windy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A helium-free balloon support bracket system with adjustable, modular design featuring curvilinear support bracket arms and band clamps that can secure to various surfaces, including non-penetrable materials, and includes security features like band clamps and extension locks to ensure stability and theft deterrence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional permanent attachment devices are used, then the display can be secured to walls, but it cannot be secured to non-traditional surfaces such as metal, brick, glass, light poles, or corners
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system is designed with multiple configuration options including L-brackets for corners, U-brackets for poles, and flat brackets for walls, allowing a single product line to serve multiple attachment surface types. The adjustable arm mechanisms and various mounting configurations enable the same basic bracket design to adapt to diverse surfaces including metal, brick, glass, and wooden structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into separate modular components including the main bracket body, adjustable arms, mounting hardware, and security features. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions and enables flexible assembly configurations to match different surface types and display requirements.
2Strength
If traditional attachment devices are used, then the installation is simple, but the system cannot handle large displays with significant multi-directional stresses from wind
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates adjustable arms with multiple positioning options and movable mounting components that can be configured during installation. The adjustable nature allows the bracket to be optimized for specific display weights and wind load conditions, providing enhanced strength while maintaining ease of installation through simple adjustment mechanisms rather than complex permanent fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system includes pre-configured reinforcement features and pre-engineered stress distribution elements that are built into the design before installation. The adjustable arms can be pre-positioned to optimize load distribution, and the mounting hardware is pre-assembled to facilitate quick installation while ensuring adequate strength from the outset.
3Reliability
If traditional attachment devices are used, then the system is simple, but it lacks security features against theft
Solution Approach 1:
Security features such as lockable adjustment mechanisms, theft-deterrent mounting hardware, and secure fastening systems are integrated directly into the bracket structure itself. This merging of security functions with the structural components provides anti-theft protection without requiring separate security devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single comprehensive solution is developed to address all limitations, then versatility and security are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The comprehensive solution is divided into modular bracket types (L-brackets, U-brackets, flat brackets) and adjustable arm components that can be mixed and matched. This segmentation allows the system to provide versatile functionality across multiple surface types and display configurations while keeping individual components relatively simple and manageable in complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention includes methods and apparatus for a balloon support bracket that may be secured to an attachment surface such as a light pole or fence and may further be coupled with one or more helium-free balloons through a balloon support. Additional embodiments include novel quick-release coupling and security features to enhance ease of use and deter theft.