Area Delineator With Integrated Reel Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temporary border or barrier systems are unstable, inefficient to store and transport, and require replacement of entire structures when partition material is damaged, with current solutions lacking stability against weather and traffic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a heavy rubber base housing a reel of disposable partition material, such as caution tape, which threads through a hollow vertical member and exits at the top, providing stability and ease of replacement, and allowing the material to be cut and discarded when no longer needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If disposable partition material is threaded through cones or poles, then the temporary border can be created, but the cones or poles become unstable and can be easily knocked down or blown over
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the partition material housing and the border structure into a single integrated unit. The reel is housed within the cone structure itself, merging the support function and material storage function into one stable assembly that resists being knocked over while maintaining ease of deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The entire cone-with-reel assembly is designed as a disposable unit. When the partition material is exhausted or damaged, the entire cone structure is discarded and replaced, eliminating the need to repair or stabilize individual components and ensuring consistent stability throughout the deployment period.
2Ease of operation
If the partition material roll is stored on the ground, then it can be easily accessed, but it could be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The reel is integrated into the cone structure, combining the storage function with the protective structure. The cone housing physically protects the reel from ground damage while keeping it accessible for material dispensing, eliminating the need for separate ground storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cone structure acts as a protective shell enclosing the reel. This flexible yet protective housing shields the partition material from environmental damage and accidental destruction while maintaining accessibility through the designed opening mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If poles or markers containing extendable and retractable partition material are used, then the partition material can be easily deployed, but the entire pole must be replaced when the partition material becomes damaged or soiled
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the replacement process by designing the reel as a separate, easily removable component within the cone structure. Users can quickly access and replace only the reel containing the partition material without replacing the entire cone assembly, simplifying the replacement process while maintaining ease of deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The reel is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the cone structure. This allows the partition material to be easily deployed while enabling quick replacement of only the damaged reel portion, reducing the complexity of overall system maintenance and replacement.
4Ease of operation
If cones that dispense disposable tape from the top of the cone are used, then the tape can be easily accessed, but they are unstable and can easily be knocked down or blown over
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the tape dispensing mechanism with a reinforced base structure. The cone housing the reel is combined with a stable base that provides resistance to external forces, allowing easy tape access while preventing the structure from being knocked down or blown over by wind or traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the base structure to increase stability. By modifying the base geometry, material properties, or weight distribution, the cone assembly achieves greater resistance to external forces while maintaining the ease of tape dispensing function.
Data Source
AI summary
An area delineating device is disclosed for creating a temporary border or barrier between two or more points. The delineating device has a base, a hollow vertical member, and an exit opening in the vertical member. A series of flaps, preferably rubber, are located on the bottom of the base and facilitate access to the base cavity in which is housed a reel of disposable partitioning material, such as caution tape or police tape. The disposable partitioning material threads up from the base cavity, through the base channel and into the vertical cavity. The disposable partition material then exits the vertical cavity via the exit opening at the top of the delineating device. A series of lineal windows can be present in the vertical member.