Warning Triangle With Spring-Actuated Fluorescent Cloth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Warning triangles are prone to being blown over or away by strong winds, posing safety risks due to inadequate wind resistance.
Innovation Solution
A warning triangle structure featuring a triangular frame, a fluorescent cloth with a movable end connected to a drawstring and spring assembly, which adjusts its angle relative to the wind direction to reduce wind resistance, incorporating a base with connecting rods and wheels for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the warning triangle uses a traditional fixed structure, then it provides stable visibility and simple design, but it lacks wind resistance and can be blown over or away by strong winds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the fluorescent cloth movable rather than fixed. The cloth is connected to the triangular frame through a pulling assembly that allows it to change position dynamically. When wind blows, the cloth can move and adjust its angle, transforming from a static obstacle to a dynamic element that adapts to wind conditions, thereby improving wind resistance without significantly complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the angle between the fluorescent cloth and the triangular frame. By changing this angular parameter, the cloth presents a smaller effective area to the wind, reducing wind pressure. The pulling assembly enables this parameter change automatically in response to wind forces, allowing the structure to adapt its configuration to improve stability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the fluorescent cloth is made movable to reduce wind resistance, then windproof performance improves, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pulling assembly is designed to be self-actuating, utilizing the wind force itself to trigger the cloth's movement. When wind blows against the cloth, the force automatically activates the pulling mechanism, causing the cloth to adjust its position without requiring external control systems, sensors, or power sources. This self-service approach reduces complexity while achieving the desired wind resistance improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful wind force into a beneficial action. Instead of purely resisting wind pressure, the design allows the wind to actively participate in adjusting the cloth's position. The wind force that would normally push the triangle over is harnessed to automatically reposition the cloth into a more aerodynamic configuration, turning a harmful factor into a functional advantage.
3Reliability
If the fluorescent cloth opens away from the triangular frame under wind, then wind resistance decreases, but the visibility and warning function may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent cloth dynamically adjusts its position based on wind conditions. In calm conditions, it maintains full visibility by being closed against the frame. In windy conditions, it opens to reduce wind resistance. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize for different operational conditions, maintaining visibility when needed and stability when wind blows.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle parameter of the fluorescent cloth relative to the triangular frame is changed in response to wind conditions. By varying this parameter, the system balances two competing requirements: maintaining visibility (requiring the cloth to be closed) and reducing wind resistance (requiring the cloth to open). The pulling assembly automatically adjusts this parameter based on the wind force applied.
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 structure effectively reduces wind pressure and resistance, preventing the triangle from being knocked over by wind, ensuring stability and safety, even in strong wind conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescent cloth with a movable end connected to a drawstring and spring assembly, which adjusts its angle relative to the wind direction to reduce wind resistance
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A warning triangle structure (1) includes a base (10), a triangular frame (11), a pulling assembly (14), and a fluorescent cloth (15). The triangular frame (11) includes a bottom end (13) and a top end (131) opposite the bottom end (13). The bottom end (13) is fixedly coupled to the base (10). The pulling assembly (14) is located adjacent to the top end (131). The pulling assembly (14) includes a spring (142) and a drawstring (141) that is resiliently coupled to the spring (142) and that is stretchable relative to the spring (142). The fluorescent cloth (15) includes a fixed end (151) fixed to the triangular frame (11) and a movable end (152) coupled to the drawstring (141). The movable end (152) is configured to be closed or opened relative to the triangular frame (11).