Movable Placard Mounting Structure for Ground-Level Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing placard holders on tank containers are often mounted high above the ground, requiring operators to use access equipment like ladders for replacing or removing placards, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A placard mounting structure with a movable retention panel and support rod system that allows the placard to be positioned at a lower height for easy access, featuring a rail structure with a backplate and retention panel that can be moved between positions, and a support rod that can be rotated and secured to maintain the placard at a comfortable height for operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If placards are mounted high above the ground on tank containers, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but operator access becomes difficult requiring ladders or access equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The placard holder incorporates a movable support rod that can be positioned at different heights along a vertical rail structure. The support rod is held in place by spring-loaded retention panels that engage with the rail at specific intervals, allowing the placard to be dynamically adjusted between a high position for regulatory compliance and a low position for easy operator access from the ground
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded retention panels act as intermediaries between the support rod and the rail structure. These retention panels automatically engage with the rail at predetermined heights, providing a mechanical intermediary system that maintains the placard at compliant heights while also allowing easy lowering to accessible heights without requiring complex locking mechanisms or tools
2Ease of operation
If placards are mounted at ground-accessible heights, then operator convenience is improved, but regulatory compliance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic repositioning of the placard holder along the vertical rail. The support rod can be easily lowered to ground-accessible heights for placard changes, then raised to the higher compliant position. The spring-loaded retention panels automatically engage at both low and high positions, ensuring the placard can be accessed from the ground while also being capable of reaching compliant heights when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical position parameter of the placard holder is made variable through the movable support rod system. The holder can be positioned at multiple discrete heights along the rail, allowing the operator to change the vertical parameter from a low accessible position to a high compliant position based on operational requirements, with the spring mechanism ensuring stable engagement at each position
3Device complexity
If a fixed high-mounted placard holder is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases due to required access equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates a movable support rod with spring-loaded retention panels that engage with a vertical rail at multiple heights. This dynamic system allows the placard to be quickly lowered to ground level for replacement and then raised back to the compliant height, eliminating the need for ladders or access equipment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure based on the rail and spring mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A device for holding a placard includes a backplate that is engaged with a rail structure and a retention panel that is engaged with the backplate and configured to receive a placard, the retention panel and the backplate being movable between a first position adjacent an end of the rail structure and a second position that is spaced apart from the end of the rail structure. The rail structure includes a first rail and a second rail extending parallel with one another in a first direction.