Collapsible Portable Barrier with Nested 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 components, with a flexible flooring and fabric cover, allowing for compact storage and easy transportation, and featuring a supplemental component for enhanced stability and wind resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the portable barrier is designed to occupy minimal space when stowed, then portability is improved, but the structural stability and wind resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is divided into multiple collapsible panels connected by hinges, allowing the structure to fold into a compact form while maintaining structural integrity through the hinge connections. Each panel can be independently folded, enabling minimal stowed volume while preserving the ability to form a stable barrier when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier panels are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, with each panel fitting inside the previous one. This nesting arrangement minimizes the stowed volume significantly while the interlocking hinge mechanisms ensure structural stability is maintained during both stowed and deployed states.
2Weight of moving object
If the portable barrier uses lightweight materials, then ease of transportation is improved, but durability and resistance to environmental elements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier employs composite construction combining lightweight aluminum or steel frame materials with durable fabric coverings. The frame provides structural strength and durability while the fabric panels offer protection from environmental elements. This composite approach achieves the desired balance between lightweight portability and long-term durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier uses thin fabric panels stretched over the lightweight frame structure. These flexible film elements provide protection from sun, wind, and rain while adding minimal weight. The tensioned fabric membranes maintain structural rigidity when deployed yet allow the overall barrier to remain lightweight for easy transportation.
3Ease of operation
If the portable barrier is designed for quick deployment, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier incorporates dynamic hinge mechanisms that allow panels to fold and unfold in a controlled sequence. These hinges are designed to naturally guide the deployment motion, reducing the need for complex assembly instructions or specialized tools. The dynamic design enables quick one-person deployment while maintaining manufacturable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier features self-aligning connection points and intuitive attachment mechanisms that automatically guide proper assembly during deployment. The design eliminates the need for complex fastening procedures or multiple people working together, allowing rapid self-service deployment while keeping manufacturing processes relatively simple and cost-effective.
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.