Collapsible Portable Barrier with Nested Frame 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

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoidstowed space occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier is divided into multiple panels that can be folded relative to each other, allowing the structure to maintain adequate protection dimensions when deployed but collapse into a compact configuration when stowed. The frame is segmented into collapsible sections that nest within each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier panels and frame sections are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, with smaller components fitting inside larger ones. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall stowed volume while preserving the full protection dimensions when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the portable barrier is designed for easy portability, then ease of transport is improved, but wind resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidwind resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier incorporates flexible elements and adjustable components that allow it to adapt to wind conditions. The frame can flex slightly to accommodate wind pressure rather than being completely rigid, and the barrier can be repositioned or collapsed in response to increasing wind conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier uses flexible fabric or mesh materials for the protective panels rather than rigid solid panels. These flexible materials allow wind to pass through partially while still providing protection from elements, reducing wind resistance and preventing the structure from becoming a sail that could tip over.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the portable barrier uses durable materials, then durability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier combines different materials with complementary properties - using durable aluminum or steel for the frame structure while using less expensive fabric or mesh for the panels. This composite approach provides overall durability through the structural frame while keeping material costs manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The design separates critical structural components that need to be durable (frame, joints, connections) from non-critical components that can be less expensive (fabric panels, covers). The less critical components can be replaced more easily if needed, while the durable frame provides long-term reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS11326365B2Portable barrier

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 SHADIANT LLC

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.