Hinge Plate and Bracket Assembly for Breakaway Support Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support post installations require replacement of the entire post and anchoring system when damaged, leading to potential damage to attached signs or other posts due to twisting and bending, and there is a need for a solution that prevents or reduces this damage and facilitates the replacement of impacted posts.
Innovation Solution
A support post assembly featuring a mounting bracket assembly with a hinge or breakaway mechanism that allows post members to bend or break at a predetermined force, preventing damage to the attached sign or other posts and enabling easy replacement of the impacted post, utilizing bracket members with channels and openings to define hinge or break points and provide shoulders for support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If posts are sunk deep in the earth and anchored with concrete to support weight and withstand forces, then the strength and stability of the support system is improved, but the difficulty of repair and replacement increases because damage requires replacement of the entire post and anchoring system
Solution Approach 1:
The post system is divided into separable components: the anchored post remains in the ground while the bracket assembly and sign can be detached and replaced independently. This segmentation allows the stable anchored portion to remain while only the damaged components are replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the anchored post. When damage occurs, only the bracket and sign need to be removed and replaced, while the anchored post remains in place, eliminating the need to replace the entire system.
2Reliability
If posts are firmly anchored to prevent movement, then the reliability of the support system is improved, but the harmful effects increase because impact forces transmit to the sign and other posts causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly acts as an intermediary between the anchored post and the sign. It provides a controlled connection point that can fail safely, absorbing impact forces before they reach the sign or other posts, thus protecting the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly is designed to fail in a controlled manner under excessive load, converting the harmful impact force into a beneficial safety feature. The bracket breaks away to prevent greater damage to the sign and other posts, while the anchored post remains intact.
3Reliability
If the entire post and anchoring system is replaced when damaged, then the strength and reliability are restored, but the loss of time and productivity increases due to excavation and replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented so that only the bracket assembly needs replacement rather than the entire post and anchoring system. This reduces the scope of work required for repair, minimizing excavation time and restoring productivity faster.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly is designed as a disposable component that can be quickly removed and replaced. The anchored post and foundation are recovered and reused, eliminating the need to discard and replace the entire system, thus improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A support post assembly with mounting bracket assembly and hinge plate with defined bend lines and break points are provided to prevent or reduce damage to objects attached to the support post assembly. The hinge plate has an enhanced section having a channel formed transversely thereacross to function as a bend line when the support post assembly is subjected to a predetermined force. A section of reduced or removed material further directs the force to the weakened area to guide the bending, and openings in the bend line guide breaking or tearing of the plate. Damage is limited to the hinge plate, which is easily replaced. A mounting bracket assembly having a two-piece body for connecting or splicing support posts together includes a strap with crosspiece configured to provide a desired bend line or breakpoint.