In-Plane Rotating Sign Mechanism for Attention Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Billboards often fail to capture attention due to their static nature, making it difficult for their messages to reach the desired audience, and existing solutions are either complex or expensive to construct and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A signage system that includes a support member and a rotatable sign with a repositioning mechanism, powered by a motor or hydraulic system, allowing the sign to rotate in-plane to change its orientation and capture attention without requiring significant changes to existing infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a billboard is made static and simple, then it is easy to manufacture and maintain, but it loses attention from passersby who see it repeatedly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease to manufacture and maintainVSAvoidattention-capturing effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static billboard into a movable one that can rotate in-plane. The sign is mounted on a rotating mechanism that allows it to change orientation periodically, creating motion that captures passerby attention while maintaining the simplicity of the basic billboard structure for easy manufacture and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through the rotating mechanism that periodically changes the sign's orientation. The sign rotates back and forth or continuously, creating periodic motion that repeatedly draws attention from passersby, thereby improving effectiveness without complicating the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If a billboard is made to change visibly to draw attention, then it garners more attention from passersby, but it becomes more complex and expensive to construct

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattention-capturing effectivenessVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the dynamics principle to achieve visible change through in-plane rotation of the sign. This rotational movement creates dynamic visual interest that draws attention, while the rotation mechanism itself remains relatively simple, avoiding excessive construction complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing rotational movement in the horizontal plane rather than vertical movement. This in-plane rotation adds a new dimension of motion that captures attention effectively while using simpler mechanical components compared to vertical lifting or complex three-dimensional transformations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If the sign rotates continuously, then it captures attention effectively, but it increases energy consumption and mechanical wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattention-capturing effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by having the sign rotate back and forth between predetermined angular positions rather than rotating continuously in one direction. This periodic motion maintains attention-capturing effectiveness while reducing energy consumption and mechanical wear compared to continuous rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by rotating the sign only through necessary angular ranges sufficient to capture attention, rather than full 360-degree continuous rotation. This partial rotation achieves the attention-capturing goal while minimizing energy consumption and mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 system effectively draws attention by changing the sign's orientation, ensuring the message is perceived by passersby while being simple, cost-effective, and easy to maintain, with options for continuous or intermittent motion and varying rotation speeds.

Implementation Method 1

a transmission for transferring rotational power to the sign, wherein the transmission is interconnected between the power source and the linkage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical power transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS9607532B2Movable signage apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2017.03.28 HAAS MAXINNE
  • US9607532B2 patent drawing
  • US9607532B2 patent drawing
  • US9607532B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a system that includes a support member and a sign supported by the support member. The sign may have a generally planar shape and may extend in a plane. The system also includes a repositioning mechanism coupled to the sign and the support member. The repositioning mechanism rotates the sign substantially in-plane. The system may further include a controller for controlling rotation of the sign. In one implementation, the repositioning mechanism is retrofitted on an existing sign and an existing support member. The repositioning mechanism may include a power source attached to the support member that provides power to the repositioning mechanism. The repositioning mechanism may further include a linkage attached to the sign and a transmission for transferring rotational power to the sign, wherein the transmission is interconnected between the power source and the linkage.