Self-standing sign with nested support and segmented panel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-standing signs are limited in size and shape due to fixed supporting frames, making it difficult to replace or upgrade display panels, and they often suffer from flimsiness, limited design options, and short outdoor life due to textile materials.

Innovation Solution

A self-standing sign configuration featuring a display panel supported by a hidden supporting member, allowing for elaborate shapes without folding or collapsing, and enabling interchangeable display panels with a waterproof seal for improved durability and design flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed supporting frame is used to support the display panel, then the structure is stable, but the size and shape of the display panel is limited and replacement is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay panel replacement capabilityVSAvoidsupporting frame structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sign is divided into separate components: a reusable supporting frame and interchangeable display panels. The display panel can be removed and replaced without affecting the frame structure, enabling easy updates and different design options while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting frame is designed to accommodate multiple different display panels with various sizes and shapes. The frame serves as a universal support structure that can display different content without requiring structural modifications, increasing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Shape

If a rectangular supporting frame is used, then the structure is simple, but the perimeter shape options for design are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay panel perimeter shapeVSAvoidsupporting frame structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel is separated from the supporting frame, allowing the panel to have any perimeter shape (curved, angular, organic forms) while the frame maintains a simple rectangular structure. This segmentation enables design freedom without complicating the support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel can feature asymmetric and irregular perimeter shapes that break away from traditional rectangular constraints. The supporting frame remains symmetric and simple, while the panel itself incorporates asymmetric designs for visual interest and creativity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If textile flags are used for display, then the sign is flexible and portable, but the flags are difficult to read and have limited outdoor life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutdoor durabilityVSAvoiddisplay panel material
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The material parameter is changed from flexible textile to rigid plastic or metal. This parameter change provides superior outdoor durability and weather resistance while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard fabrication processes. The rigid material prevents folding and collapsing, ensuring consistent display quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel can utilize composite materials such as laminated plastics or metal composites that combine durability with manufacturability. These composite materials offer enhanced weather resistance and structural integrity compared to single-material constructions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Illumination intensity

If the supporting member is visible, then the structure is simple, but the viewing of the display panel is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay panel visibilityVSAvoidsupporting member configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting member is nested within the display panel structure, with the panel forming a sheath or sleeve around the support. This nesting arrangement hides the supporting member from view while maintaining structural integrity, creating an unobstructed viewing experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting member is extracted from the visible perimeter region and relocated to the interior or rear of the display panel structure. This extraction removes the visual obstruction while preserving the supportive function, allowing the panel to be viewed without structural interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4002332B1Signs and display panels
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 SIGNWAVES
  • EP4002332B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4002332B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4002332B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A self-standing sign comprises a sign stand (11) and a removable display panel (10); wherein the sign stand (11) comprises a base (17) and a support member (14) extending from said base; and wherein the display panel comprises a perimeter region which surrounds at least in part a pocket (15) into which, in use, at least a portion of said upwardly extending support member may be inserted; said perimeter region having an outer edge; characterised in that said display panel (10) comprises two or more sheets (24, 25) which are bound to one another; whereby said perimeter region is sufficiently rigid so that the shape of the outer edge (16) of the perimeter region (13) is substantially retained when the display panel (10) extends upwardly and said upwardly extending support member (14) is placed at least in part in said pocket (15).