Vehicle Sign Symbol Portions Reinforcement Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle exterior signs lack sufficient strength and coupling strength between symbol portions, limiting their durability and design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The sign features symbol portions arrayed in a specific direction with reinforcement and coupling portions strategically placed to enhance rigidity and strength, where the coupling and reinforcement portions coincide in the array width direction, improving overall strength and design aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If coupling portions are provided at upper edges of characters, then the sign can be assembled, but the strength of characters and coupling strength between characters are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coupling portion and reinforcement portion into a single integrated structure. The coupling portion serves dual functions: connecting adjacent symbol portions together and reinforcing the blank regions of symbol portions. This merging eliminates the need for separate reinforcement elements, thereby increasing both character strength and coupling strength without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling portion is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a connector between symbol portions and as a reinforcement element within blank regions. This multi-functionality allows the same structural element to address both assembly requirements and strength requirements, improving overall structural integrity without adding separate components.
2Strength
If line thickness is increased to improve strength, then strength increases, but design flexibility and visibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reinforcement locally at blank regions rather than uniformly increasing line thickness throughout the symbol portions. The coupling portions are strategically positioned only where needed (at blank regions) to provide structural support, while the visible symbol portions maintain their original thin line design. This localized reinforcement preserves design flexibility and visibility while achieving the required strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If coupling portions are provided, then symbol portions can be connected, but the strength at coupling locations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling portion is merged with the reinforcement portion, creating a single element that both connects adjacent symbol portions and reinforces the blank regions. This integration ensures that the coupling locations are simultaneously strengthened, addressing both the need for connection and the need for structural strength at the same locations.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A sign (10) is provided capable of increasing strength. A sign (10) includes plural symbol portions (12) arrayed in an array direction. Blank regions (14) with an enclosed shape, and blank regions (16) with an opened shape opening in the array direction, are formed inside the symbol portions (12). Reinforcement portions (20) are provided at the blank regions (14,16). The symbol portions (12) are coupled together by coupling portions (30), and the coupling portions (30) are provided such that an array width direction position of the coupling portions (30) coincides with an array width direction position of the reinforcement portions (20).