Spring-Loaded Stanchion Post with Socket Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crowd control stanchions with weighted bases are prone to movement, occupy valuable floor space, and can be aesthetically unpleasing, while floor-mounted solutions require large holes and lack flexibility, posing tripping hazards and security risks.
Innovation Solution
A socket-mounted post system with a spring mechanism that allows for semi-permanent installation, minimal floor impact, and flexibility, using a smaller socket diameter and depth, and incorporating a nylon wear disc for floor protection, along with a threaded member for secure anchoring and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a weighted base is used to mount the stanchion post, then the post can be easily installed and removed, but the base protrudes into the queue area causing tripping hazards and occupies valuable floor space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the mounting function from the surface-mounted weighted base and relocates it to a floor-mounted socket. The post is mounted into the floor through a socket that is flush with the floor surface, eliminating the protruding base while maintaining easy installation and removal capabilities through the threaded socket design.
2Ease of operation
If a weighted base is used to mount the stanchion post, then the post can be easily installed and removed, but the base is movable and causes the queue to become misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function is extracted from the movable weighted base and relocated to a fixed floor-mounted socket. The socket is securely installed in the floor and provides a stable, non-movable mounting point for the post, eliminating the stability issues while maintaining ease of installation and removal through the threaded connection.
3Ease of operation
If a weighted base is used to mount the stanchion post, then the post can be easily installed and removed, but the base takes up valuable floor space
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function is extracted from the surface-mounted base and relocated to a floor-mounted socket. The socket is installed within the floor surface with minimal protrusion, reducing the footprint from nearly one square foot to a much smaller area that does not interfere with queue movement or cart passage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the stanchion post is easily removable from the floor, then the post can be repositioned, but the post can be used as a weapon by a customer
Solution Approach 1:
A threaded socket serves as an intermediary between the post and the floor. The threaded connection requires tools for removal, making it difficult for customers to quickly remove and use the post as a weapon, while still allowing authorized personnel to reposition the post when needed. The socket acts as a mediator that provides both security and repositionability.
5Stability of the object's composition
If a floor-mounted solution with large holes is used, then the post can be securely mounted, but the installation requires large holes and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters of the floor mounting from large holes (3 inches diameter by 6 inches deep) to a much smaller socket (1.25 inches diameter by 2 inches deep). The threaded connection provides secure mounting while the reduced size simplifies installation and allows for easier floor repairs if needed.
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 provides a secure, flexible, and space-efficient crowd control system that absorbs impact, prevents tripping, and reduces the risk of the post being used as a weapon, while allowing for easy reconfiguration and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism that allows for semi-permanent installation, minimal floor impact, and flexibility
Implementation Method 2
the post to absorb impact should a person run into a post, or if a piece of luggage or cart is run into a post
Implementation Method 3
a threaded member for secure anchoring and easy removal
Implementation Method 4
incorporating a nylon wear disc for floor protection
Data Source
AI summary
A socket mounted post system including a post with a hollow base portion attached to a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism includes a pillar, the pillar having a finger extending from the hollow base portion. The finger is engageable with a socket that is mountable in a floor. The spring mechanism allows the post to flex angularly relative to a vertical orientation of the post.