Self-supporting sign with foldable flaps and slits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-supporting signs require complex configurations or large amounts of material, often necessitating separate bases or adhesives for assembly and stability, which complicates their use and production.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting sign design featuring a unitary sheet with foldable flaps and slits that allow for easy assembly into an obtuse angle configuration, utilizing a primary printing layer coupled with laminate layers for structural integrity, eliminating the need for separate bases and minimizing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a separate base and support structure are used, then stability is improved, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the base and support structure into a single integrated unitary sign body. The sign is designed to stand on its own without requiring a separate base, eliminating the need for additional assembly steps and reducing overall complexity while maintaining stability through its self-contained construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The sign is divided into foldable flaps and portions that can be assembled into a stable three-dimensional structure. The segmentation allows the sign to be constructed from a flat pattern into a self-supporting 3D configuration that maintains stability without requiring external support structures.
2Strength
If adhesives and separate components are used for assembly, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components into a single unitary sign body that is manufactured as one piece. This eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and adhesives, significantly improving ease of manufacture while maintaining structural integrity through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sign is pre-cut and pre-folded into its final three-dimensional configuration during manufacturing. The fold lines and slits are pre-formed in the flat pattern, allowing the sign to be assembled simply by folding along predetermined lines without requiring adhesives or complex assembly procedures.
3Strength
If large amounts of material are used, then structural integrity is improved, but quantity of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies material strategically at key structural locations where it is needed for strength, such as at fold lines, slits, and corner reinforcements. The unitary construction allows for optimized material placement that provides sufficient structural integrity without using excessive material throughout the entire sign body.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-supporting sign of unitary construction comprises a middle portion having a first side, a second side, an upper side, and a lower side. A first foldable flap extends from the first side at a first distance beneath the upper side. A second foldable flap extends from the second side at a second distance beneath the upper side. A front foldable portion having a rounded perimeter extends from the lower side. In a use configuration, the middle portion forms an obtuse angle with respect to the front portion. A first slit is provided adjacent the first side and a second slit is provided adjacent the second side. The first and second slits are configured to aid in the respective folding of the first flap and the second flap with respect to the middle portion.