Mounting Spring for Taut Flexible Sign Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting flexible material signs, such as vinyl signs, often result in wrinkles and require complex installations involving cables, clips, and pulleys, which can be aesthetically unpleasing and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A mounting spring system comprising a base portion, a grasping portion with a finger, and a spring portion that applies tension to the sign, allowing for easy and quick installation by securing the base to a sign structure and using the grasping portion to pull the sign taut through apertures, eliminating the need for cables and clips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional mounting methods using cables, clips, and pulleys are used, then the sign can be mounted to the structure, but the installation becomes complex and aesthetically unpleasing with visible mounting components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting function and tensioning function into a single integrated spring component. The spring portion serves both as the mounting element attached to the sign structure and as the tensioning mechanism, eliminating the need for separate cables, clips, and pulleys. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the mounting components (cables, clips, pulleys) from the traditional mounting system and replaces them with a single spring-based mounting spring. By taking out these separate components and consolidating their functions into one element, the system achieves both simplicity and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used, then the sign can be secured to the structure, but wrinkles appear in the flexible material sign
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic spring mechanism that can adjust to the sign's position and maintain consistent tension. The spring portion's elasticity allows it to compensate for variations in sign installation, ensuring uniform tension across the sign surface without creating wrinkles, while maintaining reliable mounting.
3Strength
If visible mounting components are used, then the sign can be securely mounted, but the appearance becomes aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visible mounting components (cables, clips, pulleys) from the traditional system and replaces them with a compact spring mechanism that can be positioned behind or along the edges of the sign structure. This extraction maintains mounting strength while eliminating visual clutter for a cleaner appearance.
4Reliability
If complex installation procedures are used, then the sign can be securely mounted, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting process into simple, discrete steps: attaching the base portion to the structure, threading the finger through the sign aperture, and securing the loop portion. This segmentation of the installation process into straightforward steps maintains reliable mounting while significantly reducing installation time compared to complex traditional methods.
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 solution provides a quick, aesthetically pleasing, and wrinkle-free installation of flexible material signs, hiding the mounting springs behind the sign structure, and allowing for various size configurations to accommodate different sign formats.
Implementation Method 1
a spring portion disposed between the base portion and the grasping portion for applying a tension to the flexible material sign
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system and method for tautly mounting a flexible material sign includes a plurality of mounting springs affixed to an associated sign structure. Each of the plurality of mounting springs includes a base portion, a grasping portion and a spring portion. The base portion is adapted to be secured to an associated sign structure, such as a structure to which the flexible material sign is to be mounted, a frame or similar structure surrounding the flexible material sign, etc. The grasping portion includes a finger adapted to be received within an aperture of the flexible material sign. The spring portion is disposed between the base portion and the grasping portion for applying a tension to the flexible material sign.