Modular Sign Board With Wireless Emergency Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing address signs lack uniformity, contrast, and size, leading to poor visibility and inadequate recognition, especially in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A modular sign board device with interchangeable number units and a front plate, equipped with proprietary connectors and built-in circuitry for wireless signal transmission, allowing for illumination and color changes to convey distress or attract attention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If regular signs are used to display addresses, then the address information is provided, but the visibility and recognizability are insufficient due to lack of uniformity, contrast, and size
Solution Approach 1:
The sign board is divided into modular components: a front plate with connector and interchangeable number/character units. Each unit can be independently attached or removed, allowing flexible configuration while maintaining consistent size and illumination characteristics across all elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The front plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the connector for interchangeable units, and contains the illumination system that uniformly lights all number/character units. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating visibility enhancement into the base structure rather than adding separate complex systems.
2Reliability
If standard signs are used, then address display is basic, but emergency recognition and distress signaling capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system transitions from static to dynamic operation, capable of steady illumination for normal visibility and emergency patterns (flashing, alternating colors) for distress signaling. The controller enables the illumination to adapt its behavior based on emergency detection or user input, enhancing reliability without sacrificing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses different illumination colors (red, blue, green, yellow) and patterns to convey different meanings: steady white for normal address display, flashing red/blue for emergency distress signals. This color and pattern variation provides reliable emergency recognition while maintaining high adaptability for different signaling scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable number units are implemented, then address customization is enabled, but connector design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system merges electrical connection and mechanical attachment functions into a single integrated component. The connector simultaneously provides structural attachment for the number unit to the front plate and electrical connectivity for power and control signals, reducing overall system complexity despite enabling customizable configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a universal interface that handles multiple functions: mechanical retention of interchangeable units, electrical power delivery for illumination, and data communication for emergency signaling patterns. This multi-functional connector enables address customization without proportionally increasing system complexity.
4Illumination intensity
If illumination system is added for visibility, then legibility is improved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously, with emergency patterns using intermittent flashing. The controller activates LEDs only when needed for enhanced visibility or emergency signaling, significantly reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining high legibility during active periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional high-power incandescent lighting with LED technology, which provides equivalent or superior illumination intensity with dramatically lower power consumption. This substitution enables continuous or frequent illumination for improved legibility without proportionally increasing energy use.
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
The modular sign board ensures high legibility and instant recognition of addresses, while the wireless communication and customizable lighting enhance visibility during emergencies, making it distinctly recognizable.
Implementation Method 1
Each number unit includes a light emitter, such as an LED
Implementation Method 2
The enclosure includes a wireless communication module that enables the device to wirelessly communicate with other devices
Data Source
AI summary
An address sign can consist of a rectangular enclosure with removable, illuminated alphanumeric characters attached to the front of the enclosure, an electronic control module positioned inside the enclosure, wherein the electronic control module includes a wireless communication unit configured to communicate with a series of electronic devices within a geographical area, and the electronic control module is configured to transmit signals to the illuminated alphanumeric characters.