Barrier Strap Retention Mechanism to Prevent Catastrophic Failure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional barriers used to protect obstacles and walkways from stock handling equipment often fail catastrophically when the maximum load rating is exceeded, leading to potential damage or injury due to the propulsion of barrier parts.

Innovation Solution

A strap system with retention mechanisms is introduced to secure the strap ends within the barrier, allowing for easy and secure installation of any length of strap, thereby preventing catastrophic failure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional barriers are used to protect obstacles and walkways, then protection is provided, but catastrophic failure occurs when maximum load rating is exceeded, causing parts to break and be propelled into stock or pedestrians

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarrier reliabilityVSAvoidcatastrophic failure and propelled parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates energy absorption features and ductile deformation capabilities into the barrier design beforehand, so that when excessive load is applied, the barrier absorbs energy through controlled deformation rather than catastrophic brittle failure. This prevents parts from breaking apart and being propelled, directly addressing the harmful effect while maintaining protection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material or structural parameters of the barrier to transition from brittle failure mode to ductile failure mode. By modifying the barrier's mechanical properties (such as using materials with higher ductility or designing structures that promote gradual deformation), the barrier can withstand overload conditions without catastrophic failure, thereby improving reliability and eliminating the hazard of propelled parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If strap system with retention mechanisms is used to secure strap ends, then catastrophic failure is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarrier reliabilityVSAvoidstrap system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strap system is divided into modular components including retention mechanisms, clamps, and attachment elements that can be independently installed and maintained. This segmentation allows the complexity to be managed through standardized modules while achieving the reliability goal of preventing catastrophic failure through secure strap end attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention mechanisms use simple, inexpensive components such as clamps and fasteners that can be easily replaced if needed. These components provide reliable strap retention without requiring complex permanent installations, balancing reliability improvement with minimal increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP4301933B1Barrier including strap with strap retention mechanism

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 MCCUE CORP

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AI summary

A protective barrier includes a first rail receiving member, a second rail receiving member, a rail extending between the first rail receiving member and the second rail receiving member, the rail having ends received by the first rail receiving member and the second rail receiving member, and a strap system extending between the first rail receiving member and the second rail receiving member and through the rail, the strap system including a first strap retaining mechanism including a clamp for securing a first distal end of a strap within the protective barrier.