Sign Clip with Multi-Hole Planar Surface for Chain Link Fence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching signs to chain link fences are often insecure, require elaborate adapters for varying sign sizes, and can cause injuries due to sharp corners.

Innovation Solution

A sign clip with a single planar surface featuring two bends and multiple holes of different sizes, designed to securely attach to chain link fence wires without the need for additional adapters, and featuring rounded corners to prevent injuries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If single-sized holes are used in clips, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different sign sizes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclip manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with varying sign sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clip is designed with multiple holes of different sizes in the planar surface, allowing a single clip design to accommodate various sign sizes and hole configurations. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple clip variants while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The planar surface is segmented with multiple holes of different diameters, each capable of receiving different fasteners. This segmentation allows the same clip structure to serve multiple attachment purposes without requiring separate clips for each sign size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If elaborate connecting devices and adapters are used, then adaptability to different sign sizes is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with varying sign sizesVSAvoidnumber of components required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple holes of different sizes are merged into a single planar surface, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate clips or adapter components. This integration reduces the total number of parts while maintaining versatility across different sign configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clip serves multiple functions through its multiple holes, eliminating the need for separate adapters or connecting devices. A single clip design handles various sign attachment scenarios without requiring additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If sharp cut corners are present in the clip, then manufacturing is easier, but harmful factors increase due to injury risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclip fabrication simplicityVSAvoidinjury risk from sharp edges

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The corners of the planar surface are rounded instead of being sharp cut corners. This curvature eliminates injury hazards while maintaining ease of manufacture, as rounding corners is a simple additional step in the fabrication process that does not significantly complicate production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS10290238B1Sign clip for chain link fence

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 SMARTSIGN LLC

AI summary

A sign clip for a chain link fence includes a planar surface having a front surface and a back surface, the planar surface defining therethrough at least two holes of different diameters, wherein the planar surface loops back over the front surface on a first end and forms a first channel extending from the front surface, and wherein the planar surface loops perpendicular to the planar surface on a second end and forms a second channel extending perpendicular from the back surface.