Pyramid Folding Sign Stability via Support Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible folding signals are complex, expensive, heavy, and lack stability, making them unsuitable for efficient deployment in various applications such as road breakdowns, police or fire brigade operations, and construction sites.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible folding signal with a simple construction, made from lightweight yet stable materials like aluminum or fiber-reinforced plastic, featuring rotatable and pivotable triangular casing plates connected by hinge strips, forming a pyramid shape that can be easily folded for transport and providing enhanced stability through a protruding bow structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If complex folding signal structures are used, then stability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The folding signal is divided into multiple individual casing plates (first, second, third casing plates) that can be independently connected and folded. Each plate is a simple rigid component, and their combination through rotatable connections creates the stable three-dimensional structure without requiring complex internal mechanisms within each component.
2Stability of the object's composition
If heavy materials are used, then stability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The casing plates are made from lightweight materials such as aluminum, aluminum composite materials, or fiber-reinforced plastics instead of heavy traditional materials. This local material selection maintains sufficient rigidity and stability for the signaling function while dramatically reducing the overall weight for easy transport and deployment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional stability measures are added, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding signal forms a three-dimensional pyramid-like structure by arranging casing plates in space with rotatable connections, rather than using a flat two-dimensional design. This spatial configuration provides inherent stability against wind pressure and accidental folding without requiring additional bracing elements or complex stabilization mechanisms.
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
The solution results in a cost-effective, lightweight, and stable folding signal that can be easily set up and stored, offering improved resistance to mechanical influences like wind pressure and accidental folding, while maintaining visibility with reflective foils for traffic signs.
Implementation Method 1
The rotatable connection between the casing plates and partial plates can be produced by a hinge strip made of flexible material which is riveted or glued to the respectively adjoining casing plates or partial plates.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a pyramid-shaped, collapsible sign for placement along roads. It comprises two continuously rigid triangular outer plates (1, 2) rotatably connected to each other and to a third outer plate (3). The third outer plate (3) consists of two partial plates (4, 5) rotatably connected at a fold line (16) and can thus be folded between the first outer plate (1) and the second outer plate (2). To improve stability, the third outer plate (3) has a projecting support extension (19) at one lower end, such that when placed on a flat surface, a slightly outwardly projecting protrusion is formed at the fold line (16).