Rib Support for Folded Sign Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temporary warning signs with flexible sign panels face issues with rib support attachment, as the static and vibratory wind loadings cause wear through the pocket material, leading to frequent repairs and a need for more secure attachment methods.
Innovation Solution
A rib-engaging support made from a unitary web of four isosceles trapezoid panels, where inner and outer panels are folded to form a rib-receiving pocket, secured to the sign panel using stitching or adhesive, providing a nested fold design that distributes stress and prevents poke-through and abrasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fabric pockets are used to receive rib ends, then the sign panel can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the rib ends wear through the pocket material under wind loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining fabric with a reinforcing material (such as leather, plastic, or metal) to create a hybrid pocket structure. This composite construction maintains the flexibility and ease of assembly/disassembly of fabric while adding wear resistance and structural strength to prevent rib end penetration under wind loading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by reinforcing only the specific areas of the pocket that experience wear from rib ends, rather than making the entire pocket structure rigid. The reinforcing material is strategically placed at the contact points between rib ends and the pocket, maintaining overall fabric flexibility while providing localized durability where needed.
2Reliability
If rigid panel pockets are used to secure ribs, then the attachment becomes more secure, but the sign panel loses flexibility and becomes harder to store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing rigid reinforcement only at the pocket areas where ribs are attached, while the rest of the sign panel remains flexible fabric. This localized rigidification secures rib attachment where needed without compromising the overall flexibility and rollability of the sign panel for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining flexible fabric with rigid reinforcing elements in a hybrid construction. The fabric provides flexibility for storage and deployment, while the rigid reinforcement (leather, plastic, or metal) provides secure rib attachment, creating a multi-functional structure that satisfies both requirements.
3Strength
If multiple layers of fabric are stitched together to form pockets, then the pocket strength increases, but the stitching becomes a weak point under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces stitching with a reinforcing material that is bonded to the fabric layers (through adhesive, heat sealing, or other bonding methods). This eliminates the stitching weak point while maintaining the multi-layer construction for strength, as the reinforcing material provides continuous support without the discontinuities inherent in stitched joints.
Data Source
AI summary
A rib-engaging support is made from a unitary web having four panels, including two inner panels and two outer panels, with each panel having the shape of an isosceles trapezoid. Each panel includes a base side and a top side parallel to each other, and a pair of equal sides extending between the base side and the top side. The inner panels have a smaller size and are joined together at their bases. The outer panels have a larger size, with their top sides joined to the top sides of respective inner panels along respective fold lines. The web is folded such that the inner panels are folded one on top of the other and the outer panels are folded one on top of the other, with the inner panels on top of the outer panels. A rib-receiving pocket is formed between the inner panels and the outer panels.