One-Piece Reversible Flex Holder with Calibrated Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flex holders for sign structures do not effectively release wind pressure during extreme weather events, leading to potential structural damage to signs.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece reversible flex holder with a calibrated retention latch made of malleable material, featuring a S-shape hinge that deforms under excessive wind pressure, releasing the latch and allowing the flexible face material to slip out, thereby reducing wind pressure on the sign structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the flex holder uses a calibrated retention latch to hold the flexible face material securely, then the retention reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional latch mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the flex holder body and the latch mechanism into a single integrated component. The latch is formed as part of the flex holder structure itself, eliminating the need for separate latch components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure retention through the calibrated retention feature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flex holder is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides secure retention of the flexible face material, acts as a wind pressure release mechanism during extreme weather, and maintains structural integrity. The calibrated retention latch enables the same component to serve both as a retention device and a weather-responsive release mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If the flex holder retains the flexible face material firmly to prevent detachment, then the retention strength is improved, but the wind pressure release capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention strengthVSAvoidwind pressure damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flex holder incorporates a dynamic retention mechanism that adapts its holding force based on environmental conditions. Under normal conditions, the calibrated retention latch provides strong retention to secure the flexible face material. During extreme wind events, the latch is designed to release automatically, allowing the sign to flex and release wind pressure while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of strong wind pressure into a beneficial release mechanism. The calibrated retention latch is specifically designed to fail safely under excessive wind load, allowing the flexible face material to detach and release pressure on the sign structure. This transforms the harmful wind force into a trigger for protective release, preventing catastrophic damage to the sign framework

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of manufacture

If the flex holder uses a simple retention mechanism, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the calibrated retention capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidcalibrated retention capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the latch mechanism directly into the flex holder body as a single-piece construction, the patent simplifies the manufacturing process. The calibrated retention feature is formed as part of the flex holder itself, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing assembly steps while maintaining precise retention capability through the integrated design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 new flex holder effectively reduces wind-induced stress on sign structures by allowing the flexible face material to release under strong gusts, minimizing the risk of structural damage and facilitating easy repair post-storm.

Implementation Method 1

A one-piece reversible flex holder with a calibrated retention latch made of malleable material, featuring a S-shape hinge that deforms under excessive wind pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS12272270B2One-piece reversible flex holder with calibrated retention, for flexible face signs and tarp buildings

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 GESTION VERRET INC

AI summary

The one-piece reversible flex holder is affixed to the edge of a flexible face material by a latch, and retains the flexible face material to a sign frame. The latch is selectively openable to release the flexible face material upon a pre-determined tension being applied to the flexible face material. A hinge on the latch blade has a S-shape and a bendable segment capable of deformation under a determined load. An excessive force on the flexible face material such as a strong gust of wind causes the hinge to collapse on itself, thereby releasing the latch blade from the latch block, and letting the flex face material slip out of the flex holder. Excessive wind forces causes the face of the sign to open, to let wind pass through the sign face to release stresses on the sign structure.