Portable Wind Resistant Target Stand Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable target and sign stands lack the ability to easily accommodate panels of varying heights and widths, are not lightweight for transport, and are unstable in windy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A portable stand constructed of rigid pipes and connectors forming an H-shaped base with vertically adjustable crossbars, using spring biased clips or magnets for panel attachment, and a three-way-tee fitting assembly for stability, allowing tool-free adjustment and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the stand uses fixed crossbars, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate panels of varying heights and widths
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbars are made vertically adjustable along the posts, transforming the static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to different panel heights. The crossbars can be positioned at multiple heights and secured at desired locations, providing versatility without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand is divided into modular components including segmented posts with multiple crossbars that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each crossbar to be positioned separately to accommodate panels of varying dimensions while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Reliability
If the stand uses heavy materials for stability, then wind resistance improves, but portability and ease of transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stand employs adjustable crossbars that can be positioned to optimize stability for different panel configurations. This dynamic adjustment allows a lighter structure to achieve wind resistance by strategically positioning support elements rather than relying solely on heavy materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand's stability parameters can be changed by adjusting crossbar positions and configurations rather than changing the fundamental material weight. This allows optimization of wind resistance while maintaining lightness through geometric and positional adjustments.
3Ease of operation
If the stand requires tool-free adjustment, then ease of operation improves, but the securing mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stand incorporates quick-release mechanisms and friction-fit components that allow users to adjust and secure crossbars without tools. The design enables self-servicing adjustment where the structure itself facilitates the securing action through simple manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Simple intermediary elements such as wingnuts, quick-release latches, or friction-fit components serve as mediators between the adjustment action and the securing function, enabling tool-free operation while maintaining structural integrity without excessive complexity.
4Productivity
If the stand is designed for rapid assembly and disassembly, then productivity improves, but structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is segmented into modular components that can be quickly assembled and disassembled through simple connection interfaces. This segmentation enables rapid setup and takedown while maintaining structural stability through proper geometric design and secure connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand transitions from a static stable structure to a dynamically adjustable one that can be rapidly configured. The dynamic components allow quick assembly/disassembly while the overall geometric design and base structure maintain structural stability during operation.
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 rapid setup and takedown, stability in wind, and compatibility with diverse panel sizes, while being lightweight and easy to transport due to its modular design and materials.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of spring biased clips or bolts fastened by wingnuts is used to attach a target or sign panel to said crossbars
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively, a plurality of magnets can be used to attach a target or sign panel to said crossbar if crossbar is made of ferrous metal
Data Source
AI summary
A portable wind resistant target and sign stand, that is lightweight, wind resistant and can be stored in a relatively small container approximately two feet tall and five inches in diameter. The stand is made of rigid pipes that can be rapidly and easily assembled and disassembled without tools, The stand can accommodate target or sign panels of varying height or width, as the backdrops can be secured at any position along the vertically adjustable, horizontally disposed, rigid crossbars by a plurality of spring clips or, alternatively, a plurality of magnets if said crossbar is made of ferrous metal. Wind resistance is enhanced by a novel three-way-tee fitting assembly developed for this application.