Modular Signage Magnet Mounting for Fast Content Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular panel signs for fast food restaurants and other retail stores are complex, require multiple steps to update, and do not provide a professional appearance, especially when numerous individual magnetic pieces are used, leading to issues with sliding and manufacturing constraints.
Innovation Solution
A modular sign apparatus with a translucent mounting board and precisely positioned holes for cylindrical magnets, allowing for easy replacement of printed sheets and eliminating the need for separate locking elements, frame structures, and back pieces, while using snap-caps and injection-molded price carriers for flexible geometry adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual magnetic strips and price elements are used to cover the sign surface, then the sign can be modified to display different content including price information, but the plurality of separate sign elements do not provide a uniform and professional-looking appearance and tend to slide off their intended positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate magnetic elements (strips and price elements) into a single integrated magnetic sheet. This magnetic sheet has a front surface bearing printed indicia and a magnet affixed to the rear, merging the functions of multiple components into one unified element that eliminates sliding issues and provides a professional appearance while maintaining content modifiability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fulcrum point formed by the magnet covering only a portion of the rear of the front surface, creating a pivot mechanism that allows easy removal and replacement of the magnetic sheet without special tools. This intermediary fulcrum point enables simple modification of sign content while keeping the overall structure intact
2Reliability
If a frame structure with metallic strips and magnetic strips is used to hold the sign element, then the sign can be securely held in position, but the structural complexity is higher and locking or stop elements are needed to prevent sliding movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex frame structure, metallic strips, and locking elements from the sign assembly. By using a single magnetic sheet that can be directly attached to a magnetically attractable uniform surface, the design removes unnecessary structural components while maintaining secure positioning through magnetic attraction alone
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic sheet serves its own positioning and securing functions through its inherent magnetic properties. The magnet on the rear of the sheet provides both attachment to the surface and prevents sliding, eliminating the need for separate locking or stop elements that would add to structural complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If price pockets on a back piece are used to hold inserted numerical indicia, then price information can be displayed through windows, but the price pocket concept is unnecessarily complex and puts constraints on dimensions and manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the price display function directly into the front surface of the magnetic sheet through printed indicia. This eliminates the need for separate price pockets, back pieces, and inserted numerical indicia, simplifying the manufacturing process and removing dimensional constraints while maintaining the ability to display and modify price information
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 quick and simple content changes with a professional appearance, reducing the number of steps required and parts count, while allowing for flexible module geometry without replacing the mounting board, thus addressing the complexity and appearance issues of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet covers only a portion of the rear of the front surface so that a fulcrum point is formed to permit removal and replacement of the element or strip without special tools
Data Source
AI summary
A modifiable modular sign apparatus is especially useful for fast food restaurants as backlighted menu boards. The apparatus comprises a translucent substrate board which is planar and has a front surface and a back surface. Precisely positioned holes are prepared at selected locations. These holes are aligned with thin metal shims which are affixed on the back surface of the mounting board and receive cylindrical magnets. In one embodiment the magnets are attached directly to the rear of printed sheet. In a second embodiment, magnets are positioned in the mounting board holes adhesively secured to the shims. Each printed sheet has a plurality of snap-caps extending through respective holes. The board side end of each snap-cap has a metal member for being magnetically affixed to a magnet in the mounting board hole. The printed sheet may be provided with price carriers to permit personnel to change prices.