Magnetic LED Sign Assemblies for Rearrangeable Text Characters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric signs with LED strips adhered to metal text characters are not customizable, as the positions of the metal text characters are fixed.
Innovation Solution
An electric sign device featuring a backboard with attached metal strips and LED assemblies, where each assembly includes magnets and metal contacts for magnetic attachment, allowing for rearrangement of LED assemblies to form different text characters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LED strips are adhered to metal text characters to create electric signs, then the signs can display text characters, but the positions of the metal text characters become completely fixed and non-customizable
Solution Approach 1:
The electric sign is divided into separate modular components: individual LED assemblies that can be detached and repositioned, metal strips that are separate from the backboard, and a backboard structure. This segmentation allows the LED assemblies to be moved between different positions on the metal strips, enabling customization of text character positions while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through standardized modular units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If metal text characters are completely fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the sign cannot be customized or rearranged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical attachment methods (screws, clips, adhesives) with magnetic attachment. The LED assemblies contain magnets that magnetically attach to the metal strips, allowing for easy pick-up and repositioning of LED assemblies along the metal strips. This magnetic system dramatically improves ease of operation for rearrangement compared to mechanical fastening methods, while still providing secure attachment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If LED assemblies use magnetic attachment to metal strips, then rearrangement is enabled, but additional components (magnets, metal strips) are added
Solution Approach 1:
The metal strips serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide the magnetic attachment surface for the LED assemblies, serve as structural support elements, and act as positioning guides. The magnets within the LED assemblies serve both as attachment mechanisms and as part of the electrical connection system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity despite adding detachable 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
Enables customizable display of text characters by allowing LED assemblies to be detachable and rearrangeable on the metal strips, enhancing flexibility and adaptability in message conveyance.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second magnets are magnetically attached to the first and second metal strips, respectively, so that the LED assembly is magnetically attached to the backboard
Data Source
AI summary
An electric sign device can include a backboard; first and second metal strips attached to the backboard; a plurality of LED assemblies, each LED assembly comprising: a board; first and second metal contacts attached to a first side of the board; first and second magnets attached to the first and second metal contacts, respectively; the first and second metal contacts contacting the first and second metal strips, respectively; a plurality of LEDs disposed on a second side of the board, the plurality of LEDs being electrically connected to the first and second metal contacts; and a carrier having one or more channels or apertures that receive the plurality of LEDs, the carrier being attached to the board; wherein the first and second magnets are magnetically attached to the first and second metal strips, respectively, so that the each LED assembly is magnetically attached to the backboard.