Wind Resistant Sign Panel Pivoting Frame Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current yard signs are prone to damage from wind and external forces, leading to instability and unsightly displays, and existing solutions are either costly or complex, with a need for a low-cost, wind-resistant option that remains secure during limited-time use.
Innovation Solution
A sign panel is pivotably affixed to a frame secured to the ground, using corrugated plastic with bent metal wire or equivalent structural materials, featuring sign pivots that allow the panel to pivot with wind but return to a vertical orientation, with optional stiffeners and spacers to prevent distortion and ensure stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sign panel is rigidly fixed to the frame, then the sign maintains a stable upright position, but the sign cannot withstand wind forces and becomes damaged or dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
The sign panel is attached to the frame through sign pivots that allow the panel to rotate or pivot when subjected to wind forces, rather than being rigidly fixed. This dynamic connection enables the panel to move with the wind and return to its upright position, preventing damage while maintaining stability during calm periods.
2Reliability
If springs or moving components are used to tolerate wind, then the sign can withstand wind forces, but the cost and complexity significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sign panel itself acts as a flexible element that can pivot and move in response to wind forces. The corrugated plastic panel is designed to flex and rotate on the pivots without requiring additional springs or complex moving components, thereby achieving wind resistance while keeping the structure simple and cost-effective.
3Reliability
If the sign panel is made from flexible material to withstand wind, then the sign can move with wind forces, but the panel may slowly work itself off the support rods
Solution Approach 1:
The sign pivots are positioned such that they extend only partially into the channels of the sign panel, rather than being fully inserted. This extraction approach allows the panel to move freely while the pivots remain retained, preventing the panel from working itself off the supports while maintaining the ability to pivot with wind forces.
4Adaptability or versatility
If independent support rods with slip pins are used, then the sign panel can swing, but the support rods allow the panel to become dislodged easily and make installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sign pivots are affixed to the vertical supports of the frame, merging the support function with the pivoting mechanism. This integration ensures that the pivots cannot become dislodged independently while still allowing the panel to swing freely, and simplifies installation by eliminating separate independent support rods with loose slip pins.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, wind-resistant sign that remains upright and secure, even in adverse weather conditions, without the need for complex installations or permanent affixing, ensuring a stable and durable display.
Implementation Method 1
the sign panel naturally returns to a vertical position
Implementation Method 2
The sign pivots form a pivot axis. The vertical supports extend beyond one of the crossmembers and terminate at points that can be driven into the ground.
Data Source
AI summary
A wind resistant sign has a frame with vertical supports that are joined and held parallel with respect to each other by a top crossmember and a lower crossmember. The crossmembers and supports form an enclosed area that surrounds a panel. The panel is connected to the frame through pivots that extend into a channel in the panel. The pivots are located closer to the top crossmember and allow the panel to pivot when wind or other forces apply force to the panel. When the force is removed, the panel returns to a vertical orientation. The frame can be driven into the ground to support the frame. The panel is installed on the pivots by bending it to allow the edge to clear the terminal end of the pivot. An optional stiffener can be inserted into one of the channels to increase the rigidity of the sign panel.