Collapsible Portable Barrier with Nested Folding 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 in their stowed position, are not convenient for carrying, are not wind-resistant, and are not manufactured at a low cost while maintaining durability.
Innovation Solution
A portable barrier system comprising a pedestal assembly, cover assembly, and junction assembly that can be easily deployed and collapsed, featuring movable legs and arms, a flexible flooring, and a supplemental component for stability, allowing for compact storage and transportation, and made from durable yet cost-effective materials like aluminum and fabric.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the portable barrier is designed to provide adequate protection from environmental elements, then the protection effectiveness is improved, but the device occupies more space in its stowed position
Solution Approach 1:
The portable barrier is divided into multiple collapsible panels or sections that can be folded together. This segmentation allows the barrier to maintain sufficient surface area for protection when deployed, while collapsing into a compact form for storage and transport, directly resolving the contradiction between protection effectiveness and stowed volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier structure employs a nested folding mechanism where panels are arranged to fold into each other, similar to nested dolls. This allows the barrier to reduce its volume dramatically when stowed while preserving the necessary protective surface area when fully deployed.
2Ease of operation
If the portable barrier is designed for easy carrying and transport, then the ease of operation is improved, but the wind resistance when deployed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier incorporates dynamic stabilization mechanisms such as adjustable support legs, tensioning systems, or anchoring features that can be deployed when wind is detected or anticipated. These dynamic elements allow the lightweight, portable structure to adapt to wind conditions and maintain stability without compromising its portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier design allows for parameter changes in its structural configuration - remaining compact and lightweight for transport, but capable of expanding into a more rigid, wind-resistant configuration when deployed. This may include adjustable panel angles, extendable supports, or tensioning mechanisms that modify the structure's aerodynamic properties in response to environmental conditions.
3Reliability
If the portable barrier uses durable materials to ensure longevity, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier employs composite material construction, combining durable yet cost-effective materials such as aluminum frames with fabric or mesh panels. This composite approach achieves the necessary durability and weather resistance while keeping manufacturing costs lower than using exclusively high-end materials. The aluminum provides structural integrity and longevity, while the fabric panels can be produced at lower cost and replaced if needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable barrier includes a junction assembly having a first junction support, a second junction support, and a third junction support, a first fastener, and a second fastener. The first junction support is spaced apart from the second junction support to define a first junction space. The second junction support is spaced apart from the third junction support to define a second junction space. The first fastener defines a first axis and extends through the first junction support, the second junction support, and the third junction support. The second fastener defines a second axis and extends through the first junction support, the second junction support, and the third junction support. And the first axis is spaced apart from the second axis. The portable barrier further includes a pedestal assembly including a plurality of legs that are movable with respect to each other. The plurality of legs includes a first leg and a second leg. The portable barrier additionally includes a cover assembly including 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 a covering connected to the first arm and the second arm. Also, the portable barrier includes a supplemental component pivotally coupled to the junction assembly. The first strut pivots with respect to the junction assembly about the first axis during movement of the portable barrier between the storage mode and the protection mode. In addition, the second strut pivots with respect to the junction assembly about the first axis during movement of the portable barrier between the storage mode and the protection mode. And the junction assembly pivots with respect to the pedestal assembly about the first axis during movement of the portable barrier between the storage mode and the protection mode.