Rotating Sign Bracket Stowage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sign brackets for portable sign stands often get damaged or lost when switching from roll-up to rigid signs, as they need to be removed and reinstalled.
Innovation Solution
A roll-up sign bracket that can freely rotate to a stowage position on the sign stand, allowing it to remain attached without obstructing the installation of rigid signs, utilizing a clamp and bolt mechanism with angled surfaces for secure positioning and easy reorientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the roll-up sign bracket is removed from the sign stand to install a rigid sign, then the rigid sign can be properly installed, but the bracket may be damaged or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with a rotatable feature that allows it to dynamically change orientation between a forward-facing position (when supporting roll-up signs) and a rearward-facing stowage position (when rigid signs are installed). This dynamic repositioning eliminates the need to remove the bracket, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and bracket retention.
2Reliability
If the roll-up sign bracket remains attached to the sign stand, then the bracket is protected from damage or loss, but it obstructs the installation of rigid signs
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket utilizes rotational movement around the mast axis to reposition itself from a forward-facing orientation that supports roll-up signs to a rearward-facing orientation that clears the way for rigid sign installation. By changing the dimensional orientation rather than removing the bracket entirely, the system maintains bracket retention while enabling ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the bracket is designed to rotate to a stowage position, then switching between sign types is easier, but the bracket structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into distinct functional components: a clamp portion for securing to the mast, a body portion that rotates, and a sign-receiving portion. This segmentation allows the rotating mechanism to be integrated into the bracket structure without requiring a completely complex redesign, as each segment performs a specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating mechanism is merged with the bracket body itself rather than being a separate added component. The clamp, body, and sign-receiving portions are integrated into a single rotatable assembly that moves as one unit, simplifying the overall structure compared to having separate adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for mounting an article, such as a roll-up fabric sign, on a mast, includes a body and a clamp on the body for securing the bracket at a desired location on the mast. A receptacle on the body is provided for receiving a portion of the article. The bracket body may be secured in first and second different orientations on the mast at the desired location, the first operational orientation being one in which the receptacle is positioned forwardly of a forward surface of the mast, for receiving the article portion, and the second non-operational orientation being one in which substantially no portions of the bracket body are positioned forwardly of the mast forward surface.