Retractable Banner With Memory Material For Simple Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable banners require complex mechanisms for retraction and extension, which complicates their setup and storage.
Innovation Solution
A retractable banner design featuring elongated rigid support posts and banner segments with a built-in memory characteristic that automatically coils when the posts are brought together, allowing for a simple transition between open display and closed storage positions without the need for complex mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used for retraction and extension, then the banner can be reliably retracted and extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The banner material itself provides the retraction force through its memory characteristic, eliminating the need for external springs or motors. The material serves both as the display surface and as the actuating element that automatically returns the banner to its retracted position
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical retraction mechanisms (springs, motors, gears) are replaced with the inherent elastic memory property of the banner material, which passively provides the retraction force through its tendency to return to its original coiled shape
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanisms are used for retraction and extension, then the banner can be controlled to open and close, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex control mechanisms are extracted and removed from the system. Only the essential elements (banner material with memory, support posts, and connection means) are retained, allowing operation through simple manual manipulation rather than complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The banner material's memory characteristic automatically performs the retraction function, requiring minimal user intervention. The user simply needs to extend the banner manually, and the material itself handles the return to retracted position without requiring complex control systems
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 easy setup and storage by utilizing the banner material's inherent memory to automatically form a closed coil configuration, reducing complexity and enhancing usability.
Implementation Method 1
Each banner segment is constructed and arranged with a re-coil or retractable characteristic providing a tendency (memory) to form into a closed coil configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A banner unit has a retractable storage position and a display position. The banner unit includes a pair of elongated rigid support posts, and a banner sheet that is comprised of a pair of one and other banner segments that each have opposed one and other side edges. The one side edge of each banner segment is secured to respective elongated rigid support posts. The banner unit also includes an elongated tubular sleeve constructed and arranged to be disposed in parallel with both of the pair of elongated rigid support posts, with the other side edge of each banner segment being secured to the elongated tubular sleeve. Each banner segment is constructed and arranged with a re-coil or retractable characteristic providing a tendency to form into a closed coil configuration when the elongated rigid support posts are brought together.