Variable Position Sign With Pivoting LED Characters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional neon signs are brittle, expensive, and inflexible, while LED-based signs lack configurability to adapt to different orientations, leading to increased production and storage costs due to the need for multiple sign variants.
Innovation Solution
A sign with a pivoting mechanism that allows individual characters to rotate and adjust orientation, using LEDs interconnected with a power assembly for illumination, enabling the same message to be displayed in multiple orientations through a latching mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional neon tubing is used for illumination, then the sign provides bright illumination, but the tubing is brittle, expensive, and rigid in configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, fragile neon tubes with inexpensive LED modules that can be easily replaced when they fail. The LED modules are designed as discrete, replaceable units rather than fixed integrated components, allowing individual modules to be swapped without replacing the entire sign structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible printed circuit boards to connect LED modules in various configurations. This flexible substrate allows the sign to be bent, folded, or arranged in different shapes while maintaining electrical connections between LED modules, replacing the rigid structure of traditional neon tubing.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional neon tubing is used for illumination, then the sign provides bright illumination, but the tubing is expensive and replacement is cost prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, fragile neon tubes with inexpensive LED modules that can be easily replaced when they fail. The LED modules are designed as discrete, replaceable units rather than fixed integrated components, allowing individual modules to be swapped without replacing the entire sign structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sign into modular LED modules that can be independently replaced. Each module contains a subset of LEDs and is connected via flexible circuit boards, allowing selective replacement of only the faulty module rather than the entire sign, thereby reducing replacement costs.
3Device complexity
If fixed orientation sign characters are used, then the sign structure is simple, but the sign cannot be configured in different orientations for different storefronts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pivot mechanisms that allow sign characters to be dynamically adjusted between horizontal and vertical orientations. The pivot joints enable rotation of character modules while maintaining their structural integrity and illumination functionality, transforming a static sign into an adaptable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal character modules that can function in multiple orientations through the pivot mechanism. The same character module can be installed in horizontal, vertical, or angled positions depending on the storefront requirements, eliminating the need for separate character sets for different orientations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sign variants are produced to accommodate different orientations, then all customer needs are met, but production costs and storage space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal character modules that can function in multiple orientations through the pivot mechanism. The same character module can be installed in horizontal, vertical, or angled positions depending on the storefront requirements, eliminating the need for separate character sets for different orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pivot mechanisms that allow sign characters to be dynamically adjusted between horizontal and vertical orientations. The pivot joints enable rotation of character modules while maintaining their structural integrity and illumination functionality, transforming a static sign into an adaptable one.
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 cost-effective, durable, and configurable illuminated sign that can be read in various orientations, reducing production costs and storage needs by allowing a single sign to serve multiple orientations.
Implementation Method 1
The characters of the sign may include lights in communication with a power assembly for illumination of the characters. The lights of the sign may comprise LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
A sign for the displaying of a number of characters in either a first orientation or at least one additional orientation. The sign includes a frame and a series of characters, including at least one variable position character, mounted to the frame. The variable position character is movable relative to the frame such that it may be read in different positions, to display a message when the variable position character is either in a first orientation or a second orientation. The variable position character may be interconnected with the frame via a pivoting mechanism for adjusting the orientation of the variable position character. The pivoting mechanism may include a latching mechanism that secures the variable position character in a selected orientation. The characters may each include a source of illumination, such as LEDs, that are interconnected with a power supply for selectively illuminating the LEDs.