Stackable Traffic Cone With Integrated Handhold And Registration Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traffic management devices, such as cones, lack an integrated means for safely and efficiently carrying multiple stacked units, leading to hygiene issues and increased risk during transportation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a handhold feature in the traffic management device, allowing for single-handed carrying of stacked cones without compromising their reflective and alerting capabilities, along with a registration structure for secure stacking and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traffic management devices are stacked for transport, then the amount of time workers spend carrying multiple devices is reduced, but the devices lack an integrated means for grasping and carrying the stacked units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traffic management devices into a single stackable unit with integrated handhold features. The handhold structure merges the carrying function with the device body, allowing workers to grasp and transport multiple stacked devices as one unit without requiring separate carriers or caddies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nesting configuration where multiple traffic management devices are stacked vertically with each device fitting within the轮廓 of the ones below it. The registration structure enables precise alignment and secure nesting of devices in a vertical stack, maximizing space efficiency during transport.
2Ease of operation
If workers grasp the bottom of traffic management devices for carrying, then they can transport the devices, but they transfer dirt from the devices to themselves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the grasping function from the base of the device and relocates it to a handhold structure positioned on the upper portion of the device body. This separation allows workers to carry the devices without contacting the dirty base area, maintaining hygiene while preserving carrying capability.
3Ease of operation
If cut-outs are added to create handholds, then carrying is improved, but the visually attentive and reflective qualities of the device may be diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning handhold cut-outs in specific locations on the device body where they provide carrying functionality while minimizing impact on the overall reflective surface. The cut-outs are strategically placed to maintain adequate reflective area for safety visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates reflective material within or around the handhold cut-out areas to compensate for the reduced exterior reflective surface. This ensures that the handhold regions do not create dark spots that would compromise the device's visual attentiveness and safety signaling function.
4Volume of moving object
If multiple devices are stacked, then space efficiency is improved, but the handholds of stacked devices need to be aligned for grasping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a registration structure with alignment features that preliminarily position devices correctly during the stacking process. The exterior and interior registration structures guide the placement of each device in the stack, ensuring that handholds are automatically aligned without requiring manual adjustment by the worker.
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
Enables efficient and safe transportation of multiple stacked traffic management devices using a single hand, maintaining hygiene and reducing the need for external carriers, while maintaining the devices' effectiveness as visual alerts.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the body exterior surface may be reflective
Data Source
AI summary
A traffic management device comprises at least opening in the surface of its body to facility hand grasping of a single or a stacked plurality cones. The traffic management devices may be in the shape of a cone. The device further comprises a registration structure so that a worker can align the devices in a stacked configuration so that the cut outs of each opening are aligned to create a handhold for the stacked cones.