Replaceable Lens Light Box for Weather-Sealed Vehicle Signage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for replacing illuminated signage on vehicles, such as school buses, require labor-intensive and difficult-to-seal large cavities, making them inefficient and prone to weather leaks.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained illuminated sign device with a replaceable lens that uses a mounting frame and lens frame mechanism, allowing easy replacement of indicia without needing significant tools or expertise, and incorporates seals to ensure weather-tight closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a grommet mounted lens with large cavity is used to allow lens replacement, then lens replaceability is improved, but installation complexity and weather sealing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sign device is divided into separate modular components: a removable lens element, a retaining frame with integrated lighting, and a mounting structure. This segmentation allows the lens to be independently replaced without affecting other components, eliminating the need for large cavities and complex installation procedures while maintaining replaceability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a grommet mounted lens with large cavity is used to allow lens replacement, then lens replaceability is improved, but weather sealing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining frame is pre-configured with integrated lighting elements and sealing structures before the lens is installed. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the lens is replaced, the weather sealing integrity is automatically maintained through the pre-designed sealing interfaces, eliminating the need for complex field sealing operations.
3Illumination intensity
If traditional illuminated signage is used, then visibility is achieved, but replacement time and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting elements are merged with the retaining frame structure, creating an integrated assembly that remains in place during lens replacement. This combination allows the lens to be swapped quickly without disturbing the illuminated components, significantly reducing replacement time while maintaining full visibility functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A sign device is disclosed. The device includes a mounting frame for mounting a light box to a surface of a vehicle; a lens frame for coupling to the mounting frame and movable between an open position and closed position; and a removable lens retainable by the lens frame such that, when the light box is activated with the lens frame in the closed position, the light box back lights the lens. In the closed position, a seal seals a space between the lens and the light box.