Barrier With Localized Thickness For Even Rolling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barrier systems for protecting structures from wind-borne debris and weather conditions are cumbersome to install and store, often resulting in uneven rolling and unsightly appearance when rolled up.
Innovation Solution
A barrier system featuring a main body with regions of increased thickness and bulging elements on opposite sides, which can be rolled onto a spindle for storage and easily deployed, utilizing a retainer and insert configuration to maintain even stacking and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the barrier is made with uniform thickness throughout, then the barrier structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the barrier rolls unevenly and has unsightly appearance when stored
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier incorporates regions of increased thickness at specific locations (intermediate locations between bulging elements) while maintaining thinner sections elsewhere. This non-uniform thickness distribution is designed to compensate for the varying thickness of stacked barriers, ensuring uniform overall thickness and even rolling appearance during storage.
2Manufacturing precision
If the barrier includes regions of increased thickness and bulging elements, then the barrier rolls evenly and maintains good appearance, but the barrier structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire barrier complex, only specific localized regions (intermediate sections between bulging elements) are given increased thickness. This targeted approach achieves even rolling without requiring complex structures throughout the entire barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier is divided into distinct functional segments: thinner edge regions with bulging elements for engagement, and thicker intermediate regions for structural compensation. This segmentation allows each part to serve its specific purpose while contributing to overall even rolling.
3Reliability
If the barrier uses a retainer and insert configuration, then the barrier maintains proper alignment during deployment and retraction, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An insert component is introduced as an intermediary element between the retainer and the barrier. This insert provides a precise interface that guides the barrier edges during deployment and retraction, ensuring proper alignment while distributing mechanical stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system is segmented into distinct components (retainer body, insert, bulging elements) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This modular approach improves alignment reliability while allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function.
Data Source
AI summary
A barrier includes a main body, a first edge region, and a second edge region. The first edge region can include a first bulging element, and the second edge region can include a second bulging element. The first and second edge regions can be on opposite sides of the barrier and can extend substantially parallel to each other. The main body of the barrier can include one or more regions of increased thickness. The region(s) of increased thickness can be in an intermediate location between the first bulging element and the second bulging element. The region(s) of increased thickness can be spaced from the first edge region and the second edge region such that the region(s) of increased thickness do not contact the first bulging element or the second bulging element. The main body, the first bulging element, and the second bulging element can be configured to be rolled.