Segmented Ballast Flag Hem for Anti-Furling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flags and banners frequently furl and tangle around flagpoles, especially when mounted at angles between ±90° and ±180°, due to their lightweight structure and lack of skeletal support, leading to entanglement and manual intervention requirements.
Innovation Solution
A ballast system comprising fine grain quartz-based sand encapsulated in a flexible polypropylene spunbond nonwoven fabric, sewn into the fly hem of the flag in a segmented belt-like configuration, providing additional weight and flexibility to prevent furling and tangling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a flag is made lightweight for natural draping and flying, then it can fly naturally and drape well, but it falls back on itself and furls around the flagpole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating weight specifically in the distal hem (fly end) of the flag rather than distributing weight uniformly. This localized ballast in the farthest edge from the pole provides the necessary counterbalancing force to prevent furling, while the rest of the flag remains lightweight for natural draping and flying characteristics.
2Reliability
If stiffeners and external appliances are added to the flagpole and flag to prevent rotation and furling, then anti-furling performance improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anti-furling function from complex external appliances and stiffeners, replacing them with a simple ballast system. By removing the need for complicated mechanical devices and focusing solely on strategic weight placement, the solution achieves reliable anti-furling performance with minimal structural complexity.
3Reliability
If weighted materials are added to the flag to prevent furling, then anti-furling performance improves, but the flag appears less natural and more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains natural appearance by localizing the weight addition to the distal hem, which is already a concentrated area at the flag's edge. This strategic placement prevents furling while keeping the weight invisible and the flag's overall shape and draping characteristics natural and aesthetically pleasing.
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 ballasted flag effectively resists falling back onto the flagpole and self-rights, maintaining flight in variable wind conditions without external anti-tangling aids, significantly reducing furling occurrences and manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
A ballast system comprising fine grain quartz-based sand encapsulated in a flexible polypropylene spunbond nonwoven fabric, sewn into the fly hem of the flag in a segmented belt-like configuration, providing additional weight and flexibility to prevent furling and tangling
Data Source
AI summary
A tangle free flag or banner that includes an anti-furling ballast system. The system is segmented and flexible, stitched into and sewn through the fly hem, featuring a compact design with ballast material packets of predetermined size and weight. Stitching and heat seals create a weighted-keel effect that balances expected flag-flying properties with anti-furling forces that prevent a flag from being tangled around a flagpole.