Slotted Sign Cabinet Assembly With External Splice Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic sign structures are labor-intensive, requiring welding and traditional fastening schemes that reduce strength, are time-consuming, and do not accommodate variable positioning of support structures, leading to penetration of the cabinet interior and increased assembly complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of slotted frame cabinets with prepunched and preformed components, structural rivets, and external splicing methods eliminates the need for welding and internal penetration, allowing for flexible attachment of lift eyes and support structures through external clamps and splice plates, enabling automation of the fabrication process and variable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used for cabinet component attachment, then strength and uniformity are improved, but manufacturing time and labor are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces welding (a thermal/mechanical process) with mechanical fastening systems including rivets, bolts, and interlocking frame structures. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming welding process while maintaining structural integrity through precision-engineered mechanical connections that can be rapidly assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The cabinet components are pre-designed with integrated attachment features, pre-drilled holes, and pre-positioned mounting points. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid assembly using simple fasteners rather than requiring time-intensive welding operations during the assembly process.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional fastening schemes are used, then assembly is simplified, but strength characteristics are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hybrid fastening systems that combine multiple attachment methods (rivets, bolts, mechanical interlocks) tailored to different structural requirements. This composite approach optimizes both strength and ease of assembly by using the appropriate fastening type for each specific connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The cabinet structure is divided into modular sections with standardized attachment interfaces. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly of pre-fabricated modules while maintaining overall structural strength through consistent, repeatable connection points designed for both ease of assembly and structural integrity.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed positioning of support structures is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to variable spacing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable support structures with movable components. The framing system includes telescopic elements, adjustable brackets, and repositionable mounting points that can be dynamically configured to accommodate various spacing requirements while maintaining precise positioning through locking mechanisms and alignment features.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structures are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized connection points that can accommodate multiple positioning configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same structural elements to serve different spacing requirements and installation scenarios while maintaining manufacturing precision through consistent design standards.
4Ease of manufacture
If through-the-cabinet mounting is used for lift eyes, then installation is simplified, but cabinet interior penetration and element entry points are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lift eye mounting function from the cabinet interior by providing dedicated external mounting locations on the cabinet exterior. This eliminates penetration of the cabinet interior while maintaining simplified installation through pre-positioned external mounting points that can be easily attached without compromising the cabinet's sealed environment.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets, whereby each slotted frame cabinet can conveniently be attached to one or more vertically or horizontally positioned adjacent slotted frame cabinets by using connecting components which are generally located around the periphery of one or more slotted frame cabinets. Connecting components including splice bars, splice plates, and mounting clamps are aligned in, positioned along, and secured to backing bars which are co-located in backing bar slots in one or more of the slotted frame cabinets. Lift eyes can be variably located in one or more lift eye slots. The use of externally located connecting components, which do not extend through the cabinetry, minimize the entry of environmental elements into the interior of the electronic sign. Multiple slotted frame cabinets can be connected without the removal of LED display panels. Bracket assemblies and clamping assemblies are provided.