Adjustable Notched Clamp for Pole Sign Wind Resistance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wraparound cable mounting systems for signs on tubular poles require special crimping tools and often necessitate cable bending or kinking for tightening, and are prone to twisting and turning under high winds, necessitating frequent adjustments.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable notched clamp system with a wraparound pole cable that allows for 1-inch interval attachment to various tubing designs, enabling tightening without special tools and preventing sign movement in winds, using standard hand tools and adaptable to different pole sizes and shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If special crimping tools are used to tighten the cable to the clamp structure, then the cable can be securely attached, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable attachment strengthVSAvoidspecial crimping tools requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, specialized crimping tools with simple, disposable or reusable standard hand tools. The clamp design incorporates features that allow tightening with basic tools like wrenches or pliers, eliminating the need for complex crimping equipment while maintaining secure cable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp structure is designed to be self-tightening or easily tightened by the installer using standard tools. The cable routing and clamp geometry enable the installer to secure the cable without requiring specialized knowledge or equipment, making the system self-sufficient and easy to install.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cable is bent or kinked to provide tightening ability, then the clamp can be adjusted to fit, but the cable integrity and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp adjustment rangeVSAvoidcable integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp incorporates adjustable components that can be repositioned along the cable without bending or kinking it. The dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the clamp to adapt to different cable positions and tensions while maintaining cable integrity through smooth, flexible routing paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of bending the cable in one dimension to achieve adjustment, the clamp design provides adjustment freedom in multiple dimensions through movable components, slots, or telescoping sections. This allows the clamp to accommodate various cable positions without compromising cable integrity through bending or kinking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If the clamp structure is fixed and rigid, then the manufacturing precision is high, but the adaptability to different pole sizes and shapes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp structure precisionVSAvoidpole size and shape compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is divided into multiple adjustable segments or components that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each part to be precisely manufactured while the overall assembly adapts to different pole sizes and shapes through combination and reconfiguration of the segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp design incorporates universal features such as adjustable arms, telescoping sections, or interchangeable components that enable the same clamp structure to fit various pole diameters and shapes. This multi-functionality maintains manufacturing precision for each component while achieving broad adaptability through flexible assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If the sign attachment system is designed for quick installation, then the productivity increases, but the reliability and stability under high winds decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidwind resistance stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp and cable system is pre-configured with adjustment mechanisms and routing paths that allow rapid installation while ensuring proper tensioning and secure attachment. Pre-assembled components or pre-positioned features enable quick installation without compromising the structural integrity needed to resist high winds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system incorporates features that provide immediate feedback on proper installation, such as audible clicks, visual indicators, or mechanical interlocks that confirm secure attachment. This feedback ensures that even during quick installation, the system achieves the necessary stability and reliability to withstand high wind conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8935870B2Pole sign attachment system

Publication Date: 2015.01.20 DENT CLIFFORD M

AI summary

A pole sign system having a pole, a sign, and a pole clamp attachment assembly that includes a perforated square tubing attached to a back surface of the sign, a cable configured to be wrapped around the pole and having first and second ends, and a pair of teethed clamps on each end of the cable, each clamp configured to be attached to the square tubing on the sign and adjustably tightened to the cable and the pole.