Modular Outdoor Sign With Slidable Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor advertisement signs are difficult to modify, prone to unauthorized access, and not designed to withstand extreme conditions, requiring excessive labor and time for maintenance and refurbishment.
Innovation Solution
A modular advertisement display with a slidable top unit and pivoting bottom unit, featuring an operational space with a utility passage for wind resistance and secure locking mechanisms to protect internal elements, allowing easy change of characters without additional equipment and ensuring secure operation in various conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional metal frame signs with flipping numbers are used, then the display can show changing prices and information, but the numbers are exposed and accessible to unauthorized personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The sign is divided into modular sections with individual number elements that can be independently changed. Each number is a separate component within the modular structure, allowing flexible display changes while maintaining secure enclosure of all elements within the protected frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The number elements are nested within enclosed modular sections of the sign structure. Each number is housed within a protected compartment that provides security while allowing the number to be changed by removing and replacing it within the nested structure.
2Strength
If traditional signs with substantial metal frames are used, then the structure can withstand outdoor conditions, but modifications are difficult and require excessive labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The sign structure is segmented into modular sections that can be independently accessed, removed, or replaced. This modular design maintains the overall structural durability of the metal frame while enabling easy modification by working with individual modules rather than the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sign incorporates movable and adjustable components within the rigid frame structure. Numbers and display elements can be dynamically changed by simple mechanical operations such as flipping or sliding, allowing easy maintenance and updates without requiring complex disassembly of the durable metal frame.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If spring loaded bottoms are added to withstand windy conditions, then the sign can resist wind forces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sign incorporates flexible or movable elements within the modular structure that can deflect or adjust in response to wind forces. These flexible components allow the sign to withstand wind without requiring complex spring-loaded mechanisms, maintaining structural integrity while minimizing added complexity.
4Ease of operation
If modular design with slidable and pivoting units is used, then changing characters becomes simple, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular sign incorporates simple dynamic mechanisms such as sliding and pivoting movements that enable easy character changes. These straightforward mechanical motions allow operators to change display elements without complex procedures, while the mechanisms themselves remain simple enough to avoid excessive device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding and pivoting mechanisms are designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory, allowing operators to change characters without requiring additional equipment or specialized training. The mechanisms serve themselves through simple mechanical advantage, reducing the need for complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An advertisement display formed with two side columns with at least one advertisement module provided therebetween. The module consists of a top unit and a pivoting lower unit. The top unit is slidable within the side columns. A longitudinal wall is spaced from a bottom wall of the top unit defining a utility space therebetween. The lower unit is locked and prevented from pivoting when the top unit with the longitudinal wall is slid into a downward position, and is allowed to pivot when the top unit with the longitudinal wall is slid upwardly unlocking the bottom unit.