Interlocking Sign Base With Coupling Slits For Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable signs and targets are cumbersome, difficult to transport, and leave behind debris due to their size and complexity, posing challenges in setup, regulation compliance, and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, interlocking sign and target system with a base and main body configuration featuring coupling slits and locations that allow for easy assembly and disassembly without the need for additional tools, using materials like cardboard or polyboard for stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel plates and heavy bases are used to make signs and targets sturdy, then stability and strength are improved, but weight increases making them difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The sign or target is divided into separate components: a base portion and a main body portion that can be assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the sign to be lightweight yet stable when assembled, and easy to transport when disassembled, resolving the contradiction between stability and portability.
2Reliability
If traditional signs and targets are made large and sturdy, then they can withstand weather and terrain, but they become difficult to transport and set up
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the sign into a base portion and main body portion that can be easily assembled and disassembled, the invention maintains weather resistance when assembled while dramatically improving ease of setup and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking design allows the sign to be assembled and disassembled without tools or additional devices, enabling users to easily set up and take down the sign themselves, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
3Strength
If signs and targets require multiple tools for setup, then they can be securely installed, but the complexity and time required for setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking base system is designed to be assembled and disassembled without tools or additional devices. The base portion and main body portion connect through a simple interlocking mechanism that provides secure installation while eliminating the need for stakes, hammers, staplers, or other tools, thus reducing device complexity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If signs and targets are made difficult to disassemble, then they remain stable during use, but debris is left behind and regulatory compliance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design with separable base and main body portions allows the sign to maintain structural integrity when assembled while enabling complete disassembly for removal. This eliminates debris left behind and facilitates compliance with regulations requiring signs to be removed after use.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables easy recovery and removal of the entire sign structure through simple disassembly of the interlocking components. This allows users to completely remove the sign without leaving debris, and the components can be recovered and reused, thus eliminating waste and improving environmental compliance.
Data Source
AI summary
A target and/or sign which is light weight, sturdy and easy to use may include a main body and a base configured for coupling to the main body. The base may include a main portion with two sides coupled to it. A coupling slit may be formed in each of the two sides. The sign may include two coupling locations formed in the main body. The coupling slits on the base are configured for receiving the two coupling locations on the main body. Embodiments of a target system may include a main body. At least one coupling location may be formed in the main body. The target system may also include a base. The base may include at least one coupling slit configured to receive the at least one coupling location. An extension piece may be placed between the base and the main body in the target and/or sign.