Sign Panel Keyed Indentation Anti-Theft Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sign holders lack secure attachment methods, allowing for easy lateral sliding and removal by vandals, and often obscure the graphic image area, with a specific size requirement for uprights.
Innovation Solution
A sign panel with keyed indentations at the top and bottom edges, secured by retaining buttons with protrusions that lock into place, preventing lateral movement and allowing for single or double post configurations, ensuring secure attachment and full graphic visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional sign holders use simple holding members with slots, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sign can be easily laterally slid and removed by vandals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric keyway shapes in combination with corresponding asymmetric protrusions on the retaining buttons. This asymmetric geometry prevents lateral sliding by creating a mechanical interlock that resists forces applied parallel to the sign face, while still allowing vertical installation. The asymmetric design transforms a simple slot into a secure engagement feature without significantly complicating manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining buttons incorporate curved or rounded protrusions that engage with complementary curved keyways in the sign panel. This curvature allows for smooth insertion and secure locking, distributing mechanical stresses more effectively than sharp-edged geometric features. The curved design enhances resistance to lateral forces while maintaining ease of installation.
2Reliability
If clamping devices are used to secure the sign, then the sign is held firmly, but the clamping devices can obscure the graphic image area of the sign panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the attachment function from the sign face by positioning retaining buttons on the rear surface of the sign panel. The buttons engage with keyways from the back, completely eliminating the need for front-mounted clamping devices. This extraction of the attachment mechanism from the visible surface preserves the full graphic image area while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining buttons serve as intermediary elements that transfer the attachment function from the sign face to the rear surface. These buttons act as mediators between the sign panel and the mounting structure, enabling secure attachment without direct contact with or obstruction of the graphic image area on the front surface.
3Reliability
If conventional sign holders require specific size and type of upright, then the attachment is secure, but the system lacks adaptability to different upright configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining buttons are designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple upright configurations and sign panel sizes. The keyway-protrusion engagement mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides secure attachment, accommodates different vertical positions, and works with both single and double post assemblies. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for configuration-specific attachment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable elements that allow the sign panel to be positioned at different vertical locations along the upright. The retaining buttons can be installed at various heights and angles, providing dynamic adaptability to different installation requirements while maintaining consistent attachment security through the same keyway-protrusion mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A single or double post sign structure that is configured to accommodate the attachment of panels to one or both sides of a vertical upright. The sign panel is provided with keyed indentations that are located at the top and bottom edges of the panel to permit capture and rigid securement of the sign panel by a pair of retaining buttons that are used to anchor the sign panel to the sign post. Each retaining button is provided with protrusions corresponding to the keyed indentations of the sign panel. As a result, when the protrusion of the retaining button is engaged and seated in the keyed indentation of the sign panel, it becomes locked in place so that there is no room for lateral movement or removal of the panel. As a result, vandals or thieves are prevented from laterally sliding the sign panel to improperly remove it.