Collapsible Wind Screen Frame for Portable Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable wind screens are not sufficiently stable in ordinary wind conditions, require complex assembly, and lack ease of storage and versatility in material attachment.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible wind screen structure using tubular steel bracing, folding mechanisms, and Velcro connectors, supported by folding legs that can be braced with sandbags, allowing for easy assembly, stability, and quick storage in a cylindrical bag.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a portable wind screen is made lightweight and collapsible for easy storage, then portability and ease of storage are improved, but stability under wind conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The wind screen is divided into multiple collapsible sections connected by hinges, allowing the structure to be segmented into compact units for portability while maintaining overall stability when assembled. The frame is segmented into vertical and horizontal members that can be independently positioned and secured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Retractable pins are pre-positioned within the tubular members, ready to be deployed to lock sections in place during assembly. This preliminary positioning of fastening mechanisms enables quick stabilization without requiring complex tools or procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the wind screen structure is simplified for easy assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but stability and wind resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidwind resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular members feature self-aligning connection mechanisms where retractable pins automatically engage with corresponding holes when sections are brought together. The structure is designed to be self-supporting once assembled, requiring no additional bracing or external contacts for stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the frame have different structural properties optimized for their specific functions. Vertical members are designed for compression resistance, horizontal members for tension, and connection points are reinforced to handle shear forces from wind loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed-size wind screens are used for simplicity of manufacture, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different wind conditions and locations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wind screen employs a dynamic, adjustable structure where sections can be extended or collapsed to change the overall size and shape. This allows the same basic design to adapt to different wind conditions, opening sizes, and installation locations without requiring multiple fixed-size models.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9051751B2Portable, collapsible wind screen

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 OGILVIE JAMES A

AI summary

A portable wind screen is presented where the wind screen is composed of a collapsible metal frame with extendable legs and a fabric or plastic screen connected to said frame with Velcro® fasteners. The frame is fully collapsible and easily stored ion a bag or small box.