Traffic Sign Cover Plate With Swing Support for Clear Invalidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic sign covers do not effectively convey the invalidity of a sign to road users, leading to confusion and uncertainty.
Innovation Solution
A cover device with a support at one end of a web extending from the cover plate, allowing it to swing into position against a signpost, ensuring stable mounting and complete invisibility of the sign.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a cover device is attached to a traffic sign to indicate invalidity, then the sign invalidity is communicated to road users, but the current signal is not correctly understood leading to confusion and uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is designed with a specific color (yellow) that is visually distinct and universally recognized as a warning or attention signal. This color choice enhances the visibility and immediate recognition of the cover's presence, ensuring road users quickly understand the traffic sign's invalidity without confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover device is segmented into distinct functional components: a cover plate for visual indication, a suspension device for attachment, and a support element for stability. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, with the cover plate providing clear visual signaling while the support ensures proper positioning.
2Device complexity
If the support is attached directly to the lower edge of the cover plate, then the structure is simplified, but the mounting stability on the signpost is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attaching the support directly at the lower edge (one-dimensional attachment), the support is extended along a web that projects from the cover plate. This creates a two-dimensional attachment structure that spans across the cover plate, distributing the mounting forces over a larger area and providing significantly improved stability on the signpost.
Solution Approach 2:
The web and support structure are pre-configured in an extended position that anticipates the need for stable mounting. When the cover device is installed, the support is already positioned to engage with the signpost surface, eliminating the need for additional adjustment or complex assembly steps during installation.
3Area of stationary object
If the cover plate is made to completely cover the traffic sign, then the sign is completely invisible to road users, but the installation and removal process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to swing freely on the suspension device. This dynamic design enables the cover plate to be easily installed by simply swinging it into place and secured by gravity, and equally easily removed by lifting it to disengage from the suspension mechanism. The dynamic nature eliminates the need for complex fastening or unfastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover plate's own weight serves as the locking mechanism. When swung into position, gravity automatically secures the cover plate in place, covering the entire traffic sign. For removal, a simple upward lift overcomes gravity and disengages the cover, eliminating the need for additional tools or complex release mechanisms.
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 device provides clear indication of sign invalidity and easy installation/removal, ensuring stable mounting and complete sign concealment.
Implementation Method 1
its own weight causes it to swing into a position where the support below the sign rests against the signpost
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
Cover device (16) for a traffic sign (10) held on a sign support (14), characterized by a cover plate (18) which has a suspension device (20) at a point on its edge for hooking onto the upper edge of the traffic sign (10) and which has a support (24) at a point on its edge on the side opposite the suspension device (20) which projects from the cover plate (18) in the same direction as the suspension device (20).