Secure Signage System with Integrated Locking Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signage systems in healthcare environments lack secure and customizable solutions for displaying critical patient information, which is essential for reducing medical errors and ensuring patient safety, as they often require manual manipulation and lack standardized, easily interpretable formats.
Innovation Solution
A customizable sign system featuring a frame assembly with locking channels and tracks that supports slides with indicia plates, allowing for secure and easy display of text, symbols, and color coding, with a locking system that prevents unauthorized changes by obscuring the actuating pin, enabling authorized personnel to alter the display in one step.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of signs is used for customization, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unauthorized alterations
Solution Approach 1:
The sign system is divided into modular components: a frame, multiple interchangeable sign plates, and a locking mechanism. Each sign plate can be independently changed while the overall system maintains security through the centralized locking mechanism that controls access to all plates simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the sign plates. The locking mechanism controls access to the sign plates, allowing authorized personnel to change signs while preventing unauthorized alterations. The actuating pin serves as a mediator that, when depressed, releases all locking points simultaneously.
2Reliability
If individual locking members are used for each plate, then reliability of security is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual locking members are merged into a single integrated locking system. Instead of having separate locking mechanisms for each sign plate, the invention uses one actuating pin that simultaneously controls all locking points along the track, simplifying the system while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed with universal applicability: the actuating pin serves multiple functions by simultaneously engaging and disengaging all locking members along the track. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining reliable security across the entire sign system.
3Reliability
If concealed locking system is used, then reliability of security is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to difficulty of access
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating pin is extracted or extended beyond the frame surface, making it accessible from the front of the sign system. This allows authorized personnel to operate the locking mechanism without needing to access the rear or interior of the frame, significantly improving ease of operation while the pin remains concealed when not in use.
Data Source
AI summary
A customizable display and method for selectively and securely displaying important information, such as a sign for use in healthcare environments. The display includes a cover and a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a frame, which supports a plurality of tracks, and a plurality of slides positioned on the tracks. The slides receive interchangeable indicia plates, which bear the important information wherein the slides are positioned behind the cover to selectively display the interchangeable indicia plates. The frame defines a locking channel for receiving a locking system having at least one elongate locking member for cooperating with a slide coupling to secure the slides in the extended or concealed position. The slides are biased in the concealed and extended positions and the locking system is obscured by the cover to prevent unauthorized or accidental movement of the slides to alter the displayed information.