Retractable Display Member on Rural Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rural areas lack effective platforms for displaying information to travelers due to the absence of conventional advertising structures, and existing structures are exposed to harsh environmental elements.

Innovation Solution

A large structure display system comprising a structure extending upwardly from the ground with a display apparatus having a housing and a movable display member made of flexible sheet material, which can be retracted and extended to showcase information on the structure's exterior surface, utilizing a support assembly with ratchet and biasing mechanisms to maintain tension and resist sagging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional advertising structures are used in rural areas, then information display capability is improved, but such structures are vulnerable to harsh environmental elements and lack durability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation display capabilityVSAvoiddurability against environmental elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display member is nested within the housing structure, which protects it from environmental elements. The display member can be retracted into the housing when not in use or during adverse weather conditions, while still being visible when extended, thus protecting the information display capability from environmental damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The display member is made of flexible sheet material that can withstand environmental exposure while maintaining its display function. The flexible nature allows it to resist damage from wind, rain, and other rural environmental conditions while still providing effective information display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Loss of information

If a fixed display structure is mounted on the structure, then information display is achieved, but the display cannot be adjusted or removed for different information or locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation display effectivenessVSAvoidadjustability and relocatability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display member is made movable with respect to the housing, transitioning between retracted and extended conditions. This dynamic capability allows the display to be adjusted for different information needs and potentially relocated by moving the entire apparatus to different structures, thereby achieving both effective display and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure serves multiple functions: it protects the display member, provides mounting attachment to various structures (silos, bins, vehicles), and supports the display member's movement. This multi-functionality enables the same apparatus to be used across different locations and applications, enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If the display member is always extended for visibility, then information is continuously visible, but the display is exposed to environmental damage and cannot be protected when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of informationVSAvoidexposure to environmental elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display member dynamically transitions between extended (visible) and retracted (protected) states. When information needs to be displayed, the member extends for visibility. When not in use or during adverse weather, it retracts into the housing for protection, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous visibility and environmental protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure provides preliminary protection to the display member by enclosing it when not in use. This pre-protective measure prevents environmental damage before it occurs, allowing the display member to maintain its integrity and functionality over time while still providing visibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 system provides a durable and effective means to display information in large format on rural structures, resisting environmental elements and maintaining visibility over time, suitable for various types of structures including agricultural bins, silos, and moving vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

biasing mechanisms to maintain tension and resist sagging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

support assembly with ratchet and biasing mechanisms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRatchet mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentUS10977967B1Large structure display system

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 EKROTH CHAD

AI summary

A system for displaying information in a large scale format may include a structure extending upwardly from a ground surface and having an exterior surface, and a display apparatus mounted on the structure. The display apparatus may include a housing having an interior, and a display member mounted on the housing and being movable with respect to the housing between a retracted condition and an extended condition, the display member being formed of a sheet material.