Interchangeable Flagpole with Integrated LED Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flag mounting systems are non-changeable and require multiple pole assemblies for different flags, leading to inefficiency and increased costs for consumers who want to display various flags on a single mounting device.

Innovation Solution

A detachable flagpole system with a dual pole design that allows for interchangeable flags of different shapes and sizes, featuring a main pole with trapezoidal channels and an inner pole that can be screwed or attached using various means, along with integrated LED lighting for enhanced visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional non-changeable flag mounting systems are used, then the mounting device is simple and cost-effective, but consumers cannot interchange multiple flags of different shapes and sizes on a single mounting device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflag interchangeabilityVSAvoidmounting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flagpole assembly is divided into separate components: a mounting device and interchangeable flag poles. The flag poles can be detached and replaced while keeping the mounting device, allowing consumers to display multiple flags of different shapes and sizes on a single mounting device without requiring multiple complete pole assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting device is designed with universal compatibility to support multiple types of flag poles with different shapes, sizes, and designs. The mounting device serves multiple functions by accommodating various flag configurations while maintaining a single unified structure, enabling consumers to display different flags without purchasing multiple mounting systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pole assemblies are purchased to support multiple flags, then each flag can be displayed properly, but consumers experience increased costs and inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflag display varietyVSAvoidnumber of pole assemblies

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Consumers can detach and replace flag poles while retaining the mounting device. The mounting device is recovered and reused with different flag poles, eliminating the need to discard and replace entire pole assemblies when switching between different flag types, thereby reducing the quantity of pole assemblies needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Illumination intensity

If flags are displayed without lighting, then the apparatus is simpler and less expensive, but visibility is reduced especially in low-light conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflag visibilityVSAvoidapparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is merged with the flagpole assembly, with light sources integrated into the pole structure and wiring incorporated into the pole itself. This integration allows the lighting function to be combined with the structural flagpole, providing illumination without requiring separate, independent lighting apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flagpole serves as an intermediary structure that houses both the flag attachment mechanism and the lighting system. The pole acts as a mediator between the flag display function and the illumination function, allowing both to work together in a unified apparatus rather than as separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables users to display multiple flags of various designs and sizes on a single pole, providing cost savings and improved visibility through direct lighting, while maintaining structural integrity in high winds.

Implementation Method 1

The flagpole system may comprise multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) portraying light directly onto an attached flag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS9165483B2Apparatus for displaying and illuminating a flag

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 COBANE CALEB LEE

AI summary

An apparatus comprises a main pole being configured to be operable to display at least one flag. At least one illumination source is disposed in a longitudinal length of the main pole. The illumination source is configured to at least illuminate a facing surface of the displayed flag. A switch mechanism is configured to be operable for activating and deactivating the illumination source.