Pivoting Angled Flag Mast for Unfurled Display Appearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flag display devices fail to maintain a fully unfurled and extended appearance regardless of wind conditions and often require adjustments for overhead clearance, compromising aesthetic presentation.
Innovation Solution
A mast is angled acutely relative to the support surface, allowing for a fully unfurled and extended flag display, and is pivotable to accommodate limited overhead clearance, with optional mounting options for various surfaces and interchangeable flag elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the mast is positioned vertically, then the flag display structure is simple and stable, but the flag cannot maintain a fully unfurled appearance regardless of wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric mast configuration where the mast is positioned at an acute angle (10-20 degrees) relative to the vertical axis. This asymmetric positioning creates the visual effect of a fully unfurled flag by aligning the mast with the apparent wind direction, transforming the symmetric vertical configuration into an asymmetric angled configuration that enhances the realistic flag display appearance.
2Shape
If the mast is positioned at an acute angle to achieve a fully unfurled flag appearance, then the aesthetic appeal is enhanced, but the device cannot accommodate limited overhead clearance scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mast system with a pivot mechanism that allows the mast to transition between a normal operating position (at an acute angle of 10-20 degrees to the vertical) and a lowered position. This dynamic capability enables the mast to be temporarily lowered when overhead clearance is limited, such as when passing under bridges, while maintaining the optimized acute angle configuration for enhanced flag display appearance during normal operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mast is fixed in position, then the structure is simple and stable, but adjustments cannot be made for different operating conditions such as limited overhead clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed mast structure into a dynamic, adjustable system by incorporating a pivot mechanism. This mechanism allows the mast to be rotated between a normal operating position (angled at 10-20 degrees from vertical) and a lowered position for navigating under bridges or other obstacles with limited overhead clearance. The pivot mechanism provides the necessary adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity through a single-degree-of-freedom rotation system.
Data Source
AI summary
A mast has proximal and distal ends, a first support projecting away from the mast in a first support projection direction at a first support location at or adjacent to the distal end, and a second support projecting away from the mast at a second support location in a second support projection direction intermediate of the distal and proximal ends. The second support location is closer to the proximal end than the first support location. A flag element is disposed between the first and second supports. The first and second support projection directions are parallel to each other. The mast is mountable to an object at or adjacent to the proximal end such that the mast projects away from the object at an angle toward the first and second support projection directions. The mast pivots along a pivot axis parallel to the first and second support projection directions.