Solar-Powered Vehicle Signage Panel with Segmented Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-mounted signage solutions lack flexibility, often causing damage to vehicles, are difficult to install, and require electrical connections, limiting their usability and interchangeability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-position illuminated signage panel with a solar-powered mounting assembly, adjustable hinges, and a removable sign insert that can be backlit, allowing for various display positions without damaging the vehicle and operating independently using solar power and motion sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If bumper stickers are used to display visual elements, then the application is simple, but they are difficult to remove and may damage the vehicle's finish
Solution Approach 1:
The signage system is divided into separate components: a mounting assembly that attaches to the vehicle and a display assembly that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the mounting portion to remain on the vehicle without causing damage while the display portion can be easily changed or removed.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting assembly with brackets and anchoring mechanism serves as an intermediary between the vehicle surface and the sign insert. This intermediary provides a secure attachment point that does not require direct adhesion to the vehicle's finish, thereby preventing damage while maintaining ease of installation.
2Ease of operation
If magnets are used as an alternative to bumper stickers, then removal is easier, but they leave fade marks on the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the mounting function from the display function, the system avoids the need for magnets that directly contact the vehicle surface. The mounting assembly with its anchoring mechanism provides secure attachment without the adhesive or magnetic contact that causes fade marks.
3Ease of operation
If window stickers are used for signage, then they are easy to apply and remove, but they block the driver's view
Solution Approach 1:
The signage is positioned on the rear portion of the vehicle in a location that does not interfere with the driver's forward view. The mounting assembly can be configured to place the display assembly on the rear bumper or tailgate area, utilizing vertical and horizontal space away from the driver's line of sight.
4Area of stationary object
If car mounted billboards are used for advertising, then they provide large display area, but they are difficult to apply and require cumbersome mounting solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the signage into a mounting assembly and a display assembly that can be separately handled. The mounting assembly with its brackets and anchoring mechanism provides a simplified installation process compared to traditional billboards, while the display assembly can be easily attached or removed from the mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The display assembly is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable from the mounting assembly, allowing for easy application and removal without requiring permanent installation or complex mounting procedures.
5Ease of manufacture
If fixed mounting position signage is used, then installation is simple, but flexibility and adaptability to different vehicle types are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is designed with universal mounting brackets that can be adapted to different vehicle types and surfaces. The brackets can be positioned at various locations and adjusted to accommodate different vehicle geometries, making the system versatile for cars, trucks, and other vehicle types while maintaining simple installation procedures.
6Illumination intensity
If illuminated signs are used to enhance visibility, then attention-grabbing effect is improved, but connection to vehicle's electrical system is required
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is designed to be self-powered through solar energy collection. Photovoltaic cells on the display assembly convert sunlight to electrical energy, which is stored in a rechargeable battery and used to power LED illumination, eliminating the need for connections to the vehicle's electrical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection system with a solar-powered electrical system. Instead of drawing power from the vehicle's electrical system through physical connections, the system uses photovoltaic conversion and energy storage to provide independent illumination.
7Adaptability or versatility
If solar-powered illumination is used, then independence from electrical system is achieved, but energy storage capacity must be sufficient for sustained operation
Solution Approach 1:
The solar illumination system is designed to accumulate energy continuously during daylight hours through photovoltaic conversion and store it in a rechargeable battery, ensuring that illumination can continue during nighttime or low-light conditions without interruption or dependency on external power sources.
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 signage panel provides flexible, damage-free installation and operation, enhancing visibility with adjustable positions and automatic lighting control, ensuring sustained independent operation without electrical intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel configured to charge the battery
Implementation Method 2
a motion sensor configured to detect the motion of the vehicle. The control module is configured to activate the illumination panel when the vehicle is in motion
Implementation Method 3
a photosensor configured to detect the presence of light. The control module is configured to activate the illumination panel when the vehicle is in motion, and deactivate the illumination panel when the photosensor detects the presence of light exceeding a lighting threshold
Implementation Method 4
an illumination panel comprising an illumination element
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-position illuminated signage panel comprising a mounting assembly anchored to a vehicle, a display assembly, and an intermediate assembly. The display assembly comprises an illumination panel and a sign insert for displaying a visual element. The intermediate assembly comprises a control unit for controlling the operation of the illumination panel, the control unit having a solar panel, rechargeable battery, motion sensor, light sensor, and control module. The illumination panel is positioned behind the sign insert and produces a back-light effect by emitting light which passes through the sign insert. The illumination panel can be activated when the motion sensor detects the vehicle's motion, and deactivated when the photosensor is exposed to light. The display assembly is hingedly connected to the intermediate assembly, which is in turn hingedly connected to the mounting assembly, allowing the multi-position signage panel to be configured in multiple display positions.