Signage System Strip-Like Stop Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signage systems for public transport are complex and costly to manufacture, with a high risk of unauthorized removal due to their design, which includes a locking bar that requires special means for securement.
Innovation Solution
A signage system featuring a base body made from laser-cut and bent sheet metal, with U-shaped or C-shaped shield modules that engage with recesses on the base, utilizing a strip-like stop guided by a link mechanism to prevent unauthorized removal, allowing for simplified production and enhanced security through a flatter design and internal stop mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a locking bar designed as a profile body is used to secure shield modules, then the modules can be firmly held on the base body, but the construction becomes comparatively complex and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from a complex profile body locking bar and transferred to a simple strip-like stop element that can be easily manufactured from sheet metal. The stop element is integrated into the base body structure rather than being a separate complex component, thereby simplifying the overall construction while maintaining the holding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses a simple, inexpensive strip-like stop element that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, rather than a costly profile body locking bar. This approach prioritizes cost-effective manufacturing over long-term durability of the locking component itself.
2Reliability
If a locking bar with special securement means is used, then protection against unauthorized removal is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the base body structure itself through the integrally formed or easily attached strip-like stop element. The stop element works in conjunction with the recesses that are part of the base body, eliminating the need for separate complex locking mechanisms and reducing the total number of individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield modules have engagement sections that automatically interact with the strip-like stop and recesses to provide locking. The system is self-securing through the geometric interaction of its components rather than requiring additional active locking mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall construction.
3Stability of the object's composition
If recesses are designed to accommodate engagement sections, then shield modules can be held on the base body, but the design becomes less flat and more prone to external manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The recesses are designed with specific local characteristics - they are positioned and dimensioned to work with the strip-like stop rather than being deep cavities. This local optimization allows the overall base body to remain relatively flat while still providing effective module retention through the coordinated action of the stop and recesses.
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 reduces production costs, simplifies manufacturing, and enhances security by minimizing external manipulation risks while allowing for easy module replacement and adjustment, using a gravity-activated stop mechanism that eliminates the need for complex springs.
Implementation Method 1
The strip-like stop is preferably mounted on the base body via a link guide, which converts an up and down movement of the stop, i.e. a movement axially to the support column to which the base body is attached, into a movement of the stop in the direction of the first engagement section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The system (1) has a locking unit attached to one of interference sections and preventing shifting of the interference sections within recesses in a locking position. The locking unit enables shifting of the interference sections for the removal of a sign module (8) in a releasing position. The locking unit comprises a strip-shaped cover (24) movably accommodated in a base (2), where the cover rests at the interference section in the locking position.