Road Sign Rack With Spring Locking And Perforated Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road sign transportation and deployment systems face challenges in efficiently managing multiple signs, particularly due to the fragility of luminescent-coated signs, which are prone to damage and high replacement costs, and require cumbersome access methods that compromise safety.
Innovation Solution
A transportation unit with a rack design featuring stopping members, a spring-actuated locking mechanism, and perforated sections allows for secure, easy deployment and retrieval of road signs from both sides, preventing water accumulation and reducing sign damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If road signs are stored and transported in traditional piles or heaps, then storage is simple, but access to signs becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The transportation unit divides the storage space into multiple levels with individual compartments, each capable of holding one or more road signs vertically. This segmentation allows operators to access any sign directly without disturbing others, transforming the single-block heap storage into a multi-level rack system with independent access points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If road signs are placed on both sides of the roadway, then coverage is improved, but deployment and retrieval operations become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The transportation unit incorporates identical rack structures on both sides of the trailer, each with the same configuration of levels, compartments, and locking mechanisms. This universal design allows the same operational procedures to be used for deploying and retrieving signs on both the left and right sides of the roadway, simplifying training and operations despite the increased versatility.
3Ease of manufacture
If road signs are secured with simple supports, then loading is easy, but signs become unstable and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure includes pre-positioned support elements and positioning features that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. When a sign is loaded, these pre-positioned elements automatically provide proper support and alignment, eliminating the need for complex adjustment operations while ensuring stable and secure placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates a spring-actuated latch that dynamically adjusts to secure the road sign firmly in place. The spring provides continuous pressure to maintain the locked position, adapting to minor variations in sign dimensions while ensuring reliable retention during transport.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If signs are stored in enclosed spaces, then protection from elements is improved, but water accumulation causes damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure incorporates perforated or slatted surfaces that allow water to drain through while providing support for the road signs. This porous design enables the enclosed storage space to remain protective against external elements while preventing internal water accumulation that could damage the signs.
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
Facilitates quick and safe deployment of road signs on both sides of roadways, extends sign lifespan, and enhances personnel safety by enabling easy access and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Implementation Method 1
A locking mechanism is attached to said crossbar and designed to lock said road sign board to said rack. Preferably the locking mechanism is designed as a spring-actuated latch.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 2
AI summary
A transportation unit, particularly for road signs, comprises a rack and road signs with wheels. The rack is designed as a frame (1) with vertical posts (1a) and external crossbars (1b) located between vertical posts (1a). Pairs of shaped sections (1c) are fixed between external crossbars (1b) to define horizontal levels. At every horizontal level a stopping member (2) is provided at one side of the rack to prevent displacement of the road sign. A locking mechanism (3) is mounted at the opposite side of the rack for engagement with a socket (4) attached to a pole (5) of the road sign board (6). The upper side of the post (5) of the road sign board (6) is provided with an axis (7) with wheels (8) mounted at its both ends. The distance between wheels (8) matches the span between shaped sections (1c).