Sign Stand Quick-Release Leg Locking With Pin-and-Bail Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick release mechanisms for sign stands are cumbersome and difficult to operate, especially in conditions like strong winds or heavy traffic, and there is a need for simpler and more cost-effective designs that allow for easy deployment and storage.
Innovation Solution
A sign stand assembly with a support base and upright mast, featuring pivotally connected legs and a locking mechanism actuated by a mechanism with a bail member and fulcrum, allowing for easy locking and unlocking of the legs using a foot or hand-operated actuator, enhancing ease of use and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex quick release mechanisms are used for sign stands, then the legs can be securely locked, but the mechanism becomes difficult to operate and increases manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from a complex mechanism and implements it through a simple pin-and-recess system. The locking pin on each leg engages with a corresponding recess in the base plate, providing secure locking without requiring complex mechanisms. This extraction of the essential locking function resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability while eliminating operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg assembly incorporates spring-loaded locking pins that automatically engage with the base plate recesses when the legs are positioned. The springs provide automatic locking action without requiring complex actuators or manual intervention, allowing the mechanism to lock itself while remaining simple to operate when needed.
2Reliability
If heavy duty locking mechanisms are used for sign stands, then the legs can be securely held in position, but the overall weight of the sign stand increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses lightweight locking pins made from simple materials rather than heavy-duty permanent locking mechanisms. The pins are designed to be simple, inexpensive components that provide adequate locking for the application without requiring excessive weight or complex construction, thus reducing the overall weight of the sign stand while maintaining sufficient reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is segmented into individual locking pins for each leg rather than using a single heavy-duty centralized locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each locking element to be lightweight and simple, collectively providing secure locking without the weight penalty of a monolithic heavy mechanism.
3Reliability
If multiple locking points are provided for each leg, then the locking reliability improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function to simple pin-and-recess engagements at the base of each leg, eliminating the need for multiple complex locking points along the leg structure. By concentrating the locking function at single points where pins engage recesses in the base plate, the design achieves reliable locking without the complexity of multiple distributed locking mechanisms.
4Volume of moving object
If compact storage arrangement with legs parallel to mast is used, then storage space is minimized, but the locking mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded locking pins automatically engage with the base plate recesses when the legs are in the compact parallel position during storage. This self-service automatic engagement eliminates the need for complex locking mechanisms to maintain the compact storage arrangement, allowing the legs to be held in place through simple spring pressure on the 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 enables quick and reliable deployment and storage of sign stands, improving operational simplicity and reducing material costs while providing enhanced stability and ease of use, even in challenging conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A locking pin carried on each leg is movable toward and away from a locking recess defined in the plate to which the leg is attached
Implementation Method 2
An actuator is pivotally mounted to the leg and has a first end engaging the locking pin and a second end engageable by an operator
Implementation Method 3
a hollow bail member defining a hollow interior for receiving the leg
Data Source
AI summary
A sign stand assembly includes a support base with a plate portion defining a locking recess, an upright mast joined to the support base, and at least one leg having a wall defining a hollow interior of the leg. The leg is pivotally attached to the plate portion, and a locking pin carried on the leg, is provided for movement toward and away from the locking recess defined by the plate portion of the support base. An actuator is movable between lock and unlock positions and has a first end portion engaging the locking pin, and an opposed second end portion with a hollow bail member defining a hollow interior for receiving the leg. A fulcrum portion is located adjacent the first end portion and engages the leg, whereby, upon pressing the bail member, the locking pin is retracted to the unlock position.