Deformable Magnetic Panel for Temporary Road Sign Concealment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road sign devices do not provide a temporary solution for concealing indicia on road signs during construction or other events, requiring the physical removal or covering of signs.
Innovation Solution
A temporary road sign device featuring a deformable panel with applied indicia and a magnetic coupler that attaches to the road sign, allowing the panel to be easily rolled up for storage and quickly deployed to conceal or replace the sign's indicia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If physical removal or covering of road signs is used to conceal indicia during construction, then the original indicia are completely hidden, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a magnetic panel that displays alternative indicia (copying the road sign format) to replace the original indicia during construction. This copying approach allows the original sign to remain in place while presenting different information, eliminating the need for physical removal or covering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The road sign system is segmented into two independent components: the permanent road sign background and the removable magnetic panel with indicia. This segmentation allows the panel to be independently attached or detached without affecting the underlying road sign structure, simplifying the concealment process.
2Loss of information
If permanent road signs are physically removed during construction, then the original indicia are concealed, but the process requires significant time and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic panels with alternative indicia are prepared in advance and can be quickly attached to the road sign when construction begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site sign removal and reinstallation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical sign removal and reinstallation with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic panels can be easily attached or detached by simple magnetic engagement, eliminating the need for tools, fasteners, or complex mechanical operations.
3Loss of information
If traditional covering methods are used to hide road sign indicia, then the original sign is concealed, but the solution lacks flexibility for displaying alternative traffic rules
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic panel system is dynamic and changeable - different panels with different alternative indicia can be attached as needed. This allows the system to adapt to various construction scenarios and display different traffic rules temporarily, providing flexibility that static covering methods cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic panel serves multiple functions: it conceals the original indicia, displays alternative traffic rules, and can be easily removed when construction is complete. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate devices (covering materials, temporary signs, removal tools) with a single versatile solution.
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 temporary concealment of road sign indicia without the need to physically remove or cover the signs, facilitating efficient management of traffic rules during construction or other events while maintaining visibility for drivers.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic coupler that is attached to the panel which magnetically engages a road sign thereby retaining the panel on the road sign
Data Source
AI summary
A temporary road sign device includes a panel that has indicia which are applied to the panel. The indicia comprise words and images and numbers corresponding to road signs to visually communicate traffic rules to drivers on a roadway. The panel is comprised of a deformable material thereby facilitating the panel to be rolled up for storage. A coupler is attached to the panel and the coupler releasably engages a front face of a road sign thereby attaching the panel to the road sign. The panel is visible to drivers on the roadway to facilitate the drivers to comply with the traffic rules communicated on the panel.