Modular Plastic Traffic Sign with Twist-Proof Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traffic signs, especially those at low heights like those at traffic islands or roundabouts, pose a significant risk of injury to motorcyclists due to their metal construction, and replacing metal with plastic is hindered by stability and attachment issues, particularly under winter conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular traffic sign system featuring a plastic support post with a delineator-shaped cross-section and a traffic sign with a molded connector for secure attachment, allowing twist-proof alignment and easy installation, while maintaining stability and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If metal is used for traffic signs and support posts, then stability and strength are ensured, but the risk of injury to road users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent metal traffic signs with removable plastic signs that can be easily replaced. The plastic signs are designed to be lightweight and non-injurious while maintaining visibility functionality. The support post remains metal for structural integrity, but the sign portion is made disposable/s换ovable plastic that poses no injury hazard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite system combining metal support posts (for structural strength and stability) with plastic sign panels (for safety and visibility). This composite approach allows each material to fulfill its optimal function: metal provides the necessary mechanical strength while plastic provides injury-free visibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic is used for traffic signs, then the risk of injury is reduced, but stability and attachment reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traffic sign system into separate components: a metal support post, a plastic sign panel, and a connector element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the metal post for stability, the plastic panel for safety, and the connector for reliable attachment while accommodating material differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a connector element as an intermediary between the metal support post and plastic sign panel. This mediator component bridges the two different materials, providing a reliable attachment mechanism that accounts for the different mechanical properties of metal and plastic while ensuring stable installation.
3Ease of operation
If conventional attachment methods are used with plastic signs, then ease of installation is improved, but attachment reliability under winter conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, easily replaceable plastic sign design that prioritizes ease of installation. The signs are designed to be quickly attached and removed without complex tools or procedures, making maintenance and replacement straightforward while the connector ensures adequate reliability for the application.
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The following are provided: - a traffic sign (10, 30, 60, 90) for a support post (1, 5) made of plastic, which has at one end an anchoring section (2, 6) with a circular or annular cross-section and a section (3, 7) with a polygonal or guidepost-shaped cross-section (Q) extending to the other end of the support post (1, 5); - a fitting for a support post (1, 5) made of plastic, which has at one end an anchoring section (2, 6) with a circular or annular cross-section and a section (3, 7) with a polygonal or guidepost-shaped cross-section (Q) extending to the other end of the support post (1, 5); - an adapter piece (450, 460) for arrangement between a support post made of plastic, which has at one end an anchoring section (2, 6) with a circular or has an annular cross-section and a section (3,7) having a polygonal or guidepost-shaped cross-section (Q) extending to the other end of the support post (1, 5) and either such a traffic sign (10, 30, 60, 90) or such a mounting, and for arrangement between several such traffic signs (10, 30, 60, 90), and - a modular traffic sign (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) with a support post (1, 5) made of plastic, having at one end an anchoring section (2, 6) with a circular or annular cross-section and a section (3, 7) with a polygonal or guidepost-shaped cross-section (Q) extending to the other end of the support post (1, 5), and such a traffic sign and/or such a mounting (20, 20').