Concrete Sign Dart With Integrated Cutter for One-Step Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of roadway signs requires multiple steps, including pavement removal and cementing, which exposes workers to traffic hazards and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A sign support system with a hollow shaft and integrated cutter that drills a borehole through pavement, using frictional engagement for retention without additional binders, allowing one-step installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-step installation process is used (pavement removal and cementing), then the sign dart is securely retained in place, but the installation time is extended and worker exposure to traffic hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drilling operation and retention mechanism into a single integrated sign dart assembly. The cutter at the leading end drills the borehole while the smooth exterior shaft simultaneously engages the pavement material through friction, eliminating the need for separate drilling and cementing steps while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The sign dart is designed with a smooth exterior shaft that is prepared in advance to engage the pavement material through frictional forces during the drilling operation itself. This preliminary design allows the retention mechanism to activate during the drilling process rather than requiring a separate cementing step afterward.
2Reliability
If traditional multi-step installation process is used, then the sign dart is securely retained in place, but the complexity of the installation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the sign dart assembly: the cutter drills the borehole, the smooth exterior shaft provides frictional engagement with the pavement, and the hollow shaft accommodates the sign post. This integration eliminates the need for separate drilling equipment and cementing materials, simplifying the overall installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sign dart assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a drilling tool through its cutter, as a retention mechanism through its smooth exterior shaft's frictional engagement, and as a support structure through its hollow shaft. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and steps required for installation.
3Reliability
If traditional multi-step installation process is used, then the sign dart is securely retained in place, but the cost of installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cementing step from the installation process by designing a retention mechanism that relies on frictional engagement between the smooth exterior shaft and the pavement material. This eliminates the need for additional cement or binding materials, reducing material costs and simplifying the installation process.
4Strength
If the hollow shaft has outwardly projecting elements, then the retention mechanism would be stronger, but the frictional engagement with the borehole wall would be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by differentiating the properties of different parts of the hollow shaft: the exterior surface is made smooth for optimal frictional engagement with the borehole wall, while the interior contains the hollow cavity for sign post accommodation. This asymmetric design allows each surface to optimize its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the exterior surface of the hollow shaft smooth specifically for frictional engagement, while allowing different properties in other regions. The smooth exterior is localized to the portion that contacts the pavement material, optimizing the frictional interaction without compromising other functions of the shaft.
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
Simplifies installation by eliminating the need for separate drilling and cementing steps, enhancing safety and reducing costs by stabilizing the sign support system through frictional engagement.
Implementation Method 1
the first end of the hollow shaft carries a cutter configured to cut a borehole through a pavement material
Implementation Method 2
The resulting borehole has a borehole wall which engages the hollow shaft and applies sufficient frictional engagement with the hollow shaft such that the sign dart is retained within the borehole
Data Source
AI summary
A sign dart and a method for installing a sign dart wherein the retention of the sign dart in the ground relies solely on frictional engagement of the sign dart with a borehole passing into the ground.