Collapsible Portable Barrier with Segmented Panels for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable barriers for protecting individuals from environmental elements like sun, wind, and rain are not designed to occupy minimal space when stowed, are cumbersome to carry, and lack durability while being cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A portable barrier system comprising a pedestal assembly, cover assembly, and junction assembly that can be easily deployed and collapsed, using aluminum or steel plates and fabric materials, allowing for compact storage in a carrier bag and providing protection with a stable, wind-resistant design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the portable barrier is designed to provide adequate protection from environmental elements, then protection effectiveness is improved, but the device occupies more space when stowed
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is divided into multiple panels that can be folded relative to each other, allowing the structure to maintain large surface area when deployed for effective protection while collapsing into a compact configuration for storage and transport
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier panels are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, with each panel fitting inside the structure formed by adjacent panels, significantly reducing the volume occupied during stowed position while maintaining full protection capability when deployed
2Reliability
If the portable barrier uses durable materials to withstand environmental conditions, then durability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using materials with certain properties (water-resistant, UV-resistant fabrics; corrosion-resistant metals) that provide durability against environmental elements while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes and reasonable cost structures
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier combines different materials (fabric panels, metal frames, plastic connectors) each selected for specific durability requirements, creating a composite structure that achieves overall durability without requiring all components to be made from expensive high-performance materials
3Ease of operation
If the portable barrier is designed for easy deployment and collapse, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier employs movable joints and flexible connections that allow the structure to dynamically transition between deployed and collapsed states while maintaining structural integrity during each state, enabling easy operation without compromising stability
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier includes pre-assembled sections and quick-connect mechanisms that allow users to deploy and collapse the structure rapidly without requiring complex assembly steps, while the pre-engineered joint designs ensure structural stability is maintained throughout the transformation process
4Stability of the object's composition
If the portable barrier is designed to be wind-resistant when deployed, then stability is improved, but the device becomes more cumbersome to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is segmented into multiple connected panels that can flex and adjust during wind exposure, distributing wind forces across the structure rather than concentrating them at single points, while the segmented design allows the barrier to collapse into a compact, transport-friendly configuration when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier uses flexible fabric panels that can bend and conform to wind pressures without rigid resistance, allowing the structure to adapt to environmental forces while maintaining stability, and these flexible materials fold compactly for convenient transport
Data Source
AI summary
A portable barrier includes a junction assembly. The portable barrier further includes a pedestal assembly including (i) a plurality of legs that are movable with respect to each other, the plurality of legs includes a first leg and a second leg, and (ii) a first limiter connected to the first leg and the second leg. In addition, the portable barrier includes a cover assembly including (i) a plurality of arms that are movable with respect to each other, the plurality of arms includes a first arm and a second arm, and (ii) a covering connected to the first arm and the second arm. Further, the portable barrier includes a second limiter extending between the first arm and the first leg. The portable barrier also includes a supplemental component movable with respect to the second arm. Additionally, the portable barrier includes a third limiter extending between the second arm and the supplemental component. The first leg includes (i) a first strut portion extending from the junction assembly, and (ii) a first extension portion pivotably coupled to the first strut portion, the first extension portion terminates in a first unsupported end. The second leg includes (i) a second strut portion extending from the junction assembly, and (ii) a second extension portion pivotably coupled to the second strut portion, the second extension portion terminates in a second unsupported end. The first arm includes (i) a third strut portion extending from the junction assembly, and (ii) a third extension portion pivotably coupled to the third strut portion, the third extension portion terminates in a third unsupported end. The second arm includes (i) a fourth strut portion extending from the junction assembly, and (ii) a fourth extension portion pivotably coupled to the fourth strut portion, the fourth extension portion terminates in a fourth unsupported end.