Wind Release Light Pole Signs with Off-Center Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light pole sign systems are prone to damage from high winds, difficult to install, and lack effective wind release mechanisms, leading to frequent banner tears and high service calls, especially on round poles.
Innovation Solution
A light pole sign system with off-center pivot points and spring-loaded swivel arms that distribute wind pressure and prevent fluttering, combined with hose clamps for easy installation and Velcro strips for secure signage, allowing for durable and adjustable signage configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional pole banner brackets and rods are used to mount signs on light poles, then the installation is simple, but the banners are damaged by high winds and lack wind release capability
Solution Approach 1:
The sign board is designed with dynamic movement capability through the swivel arm mechanism with off-center pivot point, allowing the sign to rotate and release wind pressure during high wind events, transforming the static structure into a dynamic system that adapts to changing wind conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism acts as an intermediary between the wind pressure and the sign board, absorbing and managing wind forces through compression and expansion, thereby protecting the sign board from direct wind damage while maintaining installation simplicity
2Stability of the object's composition
If banners are mounted tightly to the light pole with traditional hardware, then the signs are secure, but they act like parachutes increasing wind pressure and causing tears
Solution Approach 1:
The off-center pivot point design converts the harmful wind pressure that would normally cause parachuting effects into a beneficial rotational force that allows the sign board to turn and release wind pressure, transforming a harmful aerodynamic effect into a protective mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric placement of the pivot point creates unequal leverage on the sign board, with the larger distance on the rear side allowing the back to act as a rudder that helps move the front back to center while enabling controlled rotation for wind release
3Adaptability or versatility
If round poles are used for light poles, then aesthetic flexibility is improved, but the hardware attaching the banner tends to spin around
Solution Approach 1:
The hose clamp is designed with a preliminary tightening action that creates friction grip on the round pole before wind forces act on the system, preventing spin during installation and operation by establishing initial mechanical engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses identical upper and lower signage holder assemblies that can be replicated on different pole types, allowing the same stable configuration to be copied across square, round, and tapered poles through adaptive mounting
4Strength
If traditional bracket connectors are used to change graphics, then the structure is secure, but changing graphics requires releasing connectors and pulling banners with force
Solution Approach 1:
The sign board is segmented into a removable central section between the upper and lower signage holders, allowing graphics to be changed by simply detaching and replacing the sign board section without affecting the structural mounting hardware or requiring forceful manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel arm design with swag cables provides self-tensioning that automatically maintains proper sign board positioning and tension after installation, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or forceful pulling during graphic changes
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 system effectively withstands high winds, reduces damage to signs and hardware, simplifies installation and graphic changes, and provides stable signage across various pole types and weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Springs are used to keep the sign board in its resting position. When the wind kicks up, the springs and off-center pivot point are designed to turn the sign board enough to release the wind pressure exerted on the sign and continue to do so until the pressure subsides. Once the wind subsides, the spring tension returns the sign board back to its original resting position.
Data Source
AI summary
The light pole sign system is intended to provide users with sign system that is more durable, easier to install, and with wind release capability. To accomplish this, the device includes a lower signage holder, an upper signage holder, and a sign board. Each of the signage holders mount directly to a light pole with hose clamps and are spaced apart to fit the sign board in between. The device further incorporates swivel arms, which enable the sign board to pivot about an off-center pivot point. Springs are used to keep the sign board in its resting position. When the wind kicks up, the springs and off-center pivot point turn the sign board enough to release the wind pressure exerted on the sign and continue to do so until the pressure subsides. Once the wind subsides, the spring tension returns the sign board back to its original resting position.