Portable Sign with Dynamic Display and Emergency Comms
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a lightweight portable sign that can be easily customized to suit various user needs, such as protecting stalled vehicles, redirecting traffic, providing warnings, and offering information to customers, while also incorporating an emergency communication system for remote messaging and alerting services.
Innovation Solution
A portable sign with a modular design featuring a display screen, communication components, and a remote communication system that allows for wireless message changes, audio functions, and integration with inventory control software, which can be used by law enforcement, merchants, and as an accessory to new vehicles, including emergency response vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sign uses a fixed message design, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sign incorporates an electronically controllable display (LED matrix or LCD screen) that can dynamically change messages based on user needs. The display is controlled by a microprocessor that can receive input from various sources including wireless communication modules, allowing the sign to adapt its content in real-time rather than being fixed during manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The sign is designed with multiple functional capabilities including emergency warnings, traffic direction, commercial advertising, and informational display. The universal design allows a single device to serve multiple purposes across different user scenarios through programmable message content and various display modes
2Reliability
If the sign includes communication components, then emergency communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication components (transceiver, GPS module, microprocessor) are integrated into a single unified control system that also manages the display functions. This merging reduces overall system complexity by sharing hardware resources and using a common control architecture for both communication and display operations
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor serves as an intermediary that manages communication protocols and data processing between the transceiver, GPS module, and display system. This intermediary role simplifies the interface between different components and provides a centralized control point for system operations
3Weight of moving object
If the sign is made lightweight for portability, then ease of transport is improved, but structural strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sign housing and structural components are constructed from composite materials such as reinforced plastics or aluminum alloys that provide high strength-to-weight ratios. These materials maintain the necessary structural integrity for withstanding outdoor conditions while keeping the overall weight low for easy portability
Data Source
AI summary
Included is a lightweight portable sign which can be used in one aspect to protect stalled or broken down vehicles with passengers still on board, to prevent oncoming vehicles or traffic from colliding with the stalled vehicles. An infinite number of messages may be displayed by input to the display through the use of a keyboard, smart phone application, auditory input or a pre-set selection of messaged chosen by the user. The sign is computerized with onboard memory, processor and optionally, has sound and audio capabilities. An emergency communications system and method are also included. The method include providing software applications communications components of the sign of the invention which then transmits a signal to a communications center, which then can direct the communication to a hospital, police or roadside assistance entity. The portable sign can also be used by law enforcement or government officials to redirect traffic or provide warnings and messages, or by merchants and vendors to aid in information to potential customers and store visitors. The portable sign can also be provided as an accessory to new vehicles.