Rocker Sign Holder with Generator Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sign holders prone to resonant swinging in windy conditions, which can cause them to tip over when grounded, are not adequately stabilized by existing designs.
Innovation Solution
A sign holder with a rocker mechanism suspended on an axle, equipped with counter weights and electrical generators that convert the rocking motion into electrical power, stabilizing the sign by attenuating its movement and powering its electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the sign holder is designed to pivot away in windy conditions, then wind damage is reduced, but the sign tends to resonantly swing back and forth at abrupt changes in wind speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful resonant swinging motion into beneficial electrical energy through the generator. The generator is coupled to the rocker mechanism and generates electricity from the rocking motion caused by wind, thereby dissipating the energy that would otherwise cause harmful oscillations while providing useful power
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback through the generator-load interaction. The generator creates a damping effect on the rocker motion through the electrical load, automatically reducing the amplitude of oscillations without external control. The electrical circuit parameters provide negative feedback that stabilizes the system
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical equipment is added to the sign holder, then functionality is improved, but power supply requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sign holder system is self-powered through the generator that converts mechanical energy from wind-induced rocking into electrical energy. The system serves itself by generating its own power supply from the environmental conditions (wind) that cause its motion, eliminating the need for external power sources or batteries
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker mechanism serves multiple functions: it allows the sign to pivot away from wind damage, converts wind energy into electrical power through the generator, and provides mechanical energy storage through the spring arrangement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate power supply 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
The solution effectively reduces the violent swinging of signs in windy conditions, allowing the sign holder to settle more stably and remain upright, while also providing power for electronic components and communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
The axle is connected to at least one electrical generator 3a-b. The electrical generator generates electrical power
Implementation Method 2
The counter weight has a weight selected such that the rocker naturally tends towards a vertical position
Implementation Method 3
it also advantageously attenuates the movement of the sign
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a sign holder with a sign (1). The sign is received on one arm of a rocker, where the rocker is pivotably suspended on an axle. The rocker is on its other arm provided with a counter weight (2), and the axle is connected to at least one electrical generator (3a-b). The electrical generator generates electrical power that may be used by electrical equipment in the sign holder, but it also attenuates the movement of the sign. Typically, the sign holder comprises at least one battery that receives electrical power generated by the electrical generator (3a-b) and the battery may be arranged on the rocker is such a way that it constitutes the counter weight (2). The sign (1) is usually powered by electricity and power is then supplied by the electrical generator (3a-b). The sign (1) may have a communication device, where the communication device is powered by current generated by the electrical generator (3a-b). The information being presented on the sign (1) may be alterable, and the communication device is used for altering the information being presented.