Collapsible Lane Delineator with Nested Divider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for demarcating areas intended for different uses, such as roads or paths, often rely on permanent barriers like curbs or pavement markings, which may not provide a robust visual and physical separation, especially in environments where a less permanent yet effective vertical barrier is needed.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible boundary delineator system comprising a base and a divider member that can be moved between a raised operative position and a lowered inoperative position, using releasable engagement structures and retainer arrangements to secure the divider in place, allowing for easy deployment and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent barrier like a curb or wall is used, then a robust visual and physical separation is provided, but the barrier cannot be easily moved or stored
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier transitions from a static permanent structure to a dynamic movable structure. The base members are designed to be selectively engageable and disengageable, allowing the barrier to be deployed when needed and stored when not in use, while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier is divided into separate modular components including base members and divider members that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation enables easy deployment and storage while maintaining the robust barrier function when assembled.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable barrier is used, then ease of deployment and storage is improved, but the robustness and permanence of the barrier is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The divider member is formed with a curved profile that provides structural strength and rigidity. This curved geometry allows the movable barrier to maintain its robustness and visual presence when deployed, while still enabling easy movement and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier components are constructed from materials that combine strength with mobility characteristics, ensuring the movable barrier maintains robustness equivalent to permanent structures while enabling ease of deployment and storage.
3Reliability
If a vertical barrier element is provided, then visual and physical separation is enhanced, but the barrier occupies more storage space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The divider member is designed to nest within or alongside the base members when in the lowered position. This nesting arrangement allows the vertical barrier element to be compacted into a minimal storage volume while maintaining its full vertical height and separation capability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier transitions from a two-dimensional vertical structure during operation to a compact one-dimensional configuration during storage. The divider member collapses from a vertical position to a horizontal or nested position, dramatically reducing storage space requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible boundary delineator includes a base for placement on a ground surface and a divider member that is movable relative to the base between a raised, operative position and a lowered, inoperative position. The base includes a pair of base members that are engageable with each other, and the divider member includes a pair of spaced apart ends secured one to each of the base members. When the base members are engaged together the divider member is in the raised, operative position and when the base members are disengaged from each other the divider member is in the lowered, inoperative position. A selectively releasable latch arrangement carried by the base members is movable between a latching position for selectively maintaining the base members in engagement with each other and a release position for selectively enabling the base members to be moved apart from each other.