Low Profile Barrier With Molded Coupler For Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control barriers are lightweight and easily tipped over, pose safety risks due to height, have gaps allowing passage, require extensive assembly, and are heavy and difficult to move, especially in high-impact environments like airports, where they can cause damage to aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A portable, reusable barrier assembly with a central body and projection portions that can be filled with ballast, featuring a coupler system for secure connection and easy angle adjustment, made from resilient polymeric materials for stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional barriers are made lightweight for easy movement, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates as they are easily tipped over or moved by propeller wash and jet blast
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier incorporates movable components including telescopic legs that can extend and retract, and a collapsible V-shape configuration that can transition between open and closed positions. This dynamic structure allows the barrier to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining stability when deployed and ease of movement when collapsed.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier's physical parameters are changed by extending telescopic legs to increase height and stability when needed, and collapsing the V-shape to reduce profile for easy storage and transport. The ability to change parameters like height, volume, and structural rigidity allows the barrier to optimize between stability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If barrier height is increased to improve visibility and control, then effectiveness is improved, but harmful factors worsen as barriers can damage aircraft engines and wings
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier features telescopic legs that can be extended to provide adequate visibility and control effectiveness, then retracted to a low profile when not in use or when aircraft are approaching. This dynamic height adjustment allows the barrier to be tall when needed for control purposes and short when aircraft safety is the concern.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier is deployed to full height periodically when pedestrian or vehicle control is required, and retracted to minimal height periodically when aircraft are operating in the vicinity. This periodic adjustment of height balances control effectiveness with aircraft safety.
3Ease of operation
If conventional barriers are not connected together, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as gaps allow individuals or equipment to slip through
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple barrier units are connected together through interlocking mechanisms where the leg of one barrier connects to the base of adjacent barriers. This merging of separate units creates a continuous barrier system that prevents gaps while maintaining the ease of operation of individual modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier system is divided into modular segmented units that can be independently handled and deployed, then connected through standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows easy deployment of individual units while the connection mechanisms ensure reliable gap-free barriers when multiple units are assembled.
4Stability of the object's composition
If concrete barriers are used to improve stability and impact resistance, then stability and strength are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as they are extremely heavy and require special equipment to move
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier uses a collapsible V-shape configuration that can be folded into a compact form for easy transport and storage. When deployed, the expanded structure provides adequate stability and impact resistance. This flexible configuration allows the barrier to be lightweight and easy to move while still providing sufficient protection when in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier incorporates telescopic legs and collapsible structure that can be extended to provide stability and retracted for easy movement. This dynamic transformation allows the barrier to transition between a stable deployed state and a compact transport state, eliminating the need for heavy concrete construction.
5Adaptability or versatility
If plastic barriers are made smaller to meet airport requirements, then adaptability is improved, but reliability worsens as portions can break away or detach
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is integrally molded as part of the barrier structure, merging the connection element with the barrier body. This integration ensures that the coupler cannot detach from the barrier, maintaining structural integrity while allowing the barrier to be sized appropriately for airport environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier is constructed from high-density polyethylene or similar robust polymeric materials that provide both the necessary strength for airport environments and the flexibility to be made in smaller, more adaptable sizes. The composite structure with integrally molded couplers ensures no parts can break away.
Data Source
AI summary
A barrier assembly includes a barrier having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface extending between a first end and an opposing second end. The interior surface bounds a chamber that is adapted to receive a ballast. The barrier also has an internal sidewall extending between top and bottom surfaces of the barrier so as to bound a passage extending completely through the barrier between the top and bottom surfaces. The barrier assembly also includes an elongated coupler extending down through the passage and projecting below the bottom surface of the barrier. A means for securing the coupler within the passage is formed on or attached to the coupler. The means for securing the coupler within the passage prevents the coupler from being removed from the passage while allowing the coupler to freely rotate within the passage.