Pivoting Road Sign Support with Tool-Free Lever Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for road signs on metal slides are difficult to install and remove without tools, require significant force, and are not adaptable to different types of slides, leading to increased complexity, weight, and storage needs.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a pivoting arm and actuating lever system that allows easy installation and removal without tools, adaptable to multiple slide types, and designed for reduced weight and intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support device uses a fixed blocking mechanism to ensure secure attachment to the slide, then the reliability of the attachment is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because tools and significant force are required for installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic system where the blocking element can move between engaged and disengaged positions. The arm pivots between a lowered position (blocking engaged) and a raised position (blocking disengaged), allowing easy installation and removal without tools while maintaining secure attachment during use
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate lever mechanism is introduced to mediate between the operator's simple action and the blocking mechanism. The lever connected to the arm through a connecting rod transforms simple lever movement into arm pivoting, which then controls the blocking element's engagement with the slide, reducing the effort and complexity required for operation
2Manufacturing precision
If a support device is designed specifically for a single type of slide to ensure proper fit and function, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because multiple devices are needed for different slide geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with universal features that allow it to function with multiple slide types. The bearing face can rest on different slide surfaces, and the arm with its transverse wing can adapt to different slide geometries (type A with bead and type B with longitudinal hollow), enabling a single device design to serve multiple functions across different slide configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The device accommodates different slide types by allowing geometric parameters to vary. The arm's transverse wing with recess and tooth configuration can engage with different slide features (bead or longitudinal hollow), and the bearing face orientation can adapt to different slide geometries, maintaining proper fit across variations
3Strength
If a support device uses a heavy construction to ensure stability and prevent tearing from vehicle traffic, then the strength is improved, but the weight increases making handling and transport difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is segmented into functional components (base with bearing face, pivoting arm, blocking element, lever mechanism) that can be optimized independently. This allows using material only where structurally necessary, reducing overall weight while maintaining strength in critical areas through efficient structural design rather than uniform heavy construction
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, tool-free installation and removal of road signs on metal slides with minimal effort, adapts to various slide geometries, and is lightweight, reducing handling and storage challenges.
Implementation Method 1
the arm cooperates with the other side of the slide to block the slide against the first side wall
Implementation Method 2
an arm (10) mounted pivoting with respect to the base (2) around a first longitudinal axis (16)
Implementation Method 3
means for actuating the arm, comprising a lever (22), one end of which is pivotally mounted relative to the base (2) around a second longitudinal axis (24)
Implementation Method 4
a connecting rod (23), one end of which is hinged to the second end of the lever (22) around a third longitudinal axis (25) and the second end of which is hinged to the arm (10) around a fourth longitudinal axis (26)
Implementation Method 5
means for locking the arm substantially in its extreme lowered position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device (1) has a base (2) on which a panel is mounted. An arm (10) is pivoted with respect to the base around a longitudinal axle (16) between a lowered position and a raised position. The arm is activated by a lever (22) with a handle and a connecting rod (23), where the arm includes a transversal wing fixed with respect to the arm. The wing includes a recess (13) and a projected tooth, where the tooth is arranged opposite to a lateral wall (5) of the base in the lowered position of the arm and cooperates with a hollow arranged in a side of metallic rail (32).