Dual Staggered Welding Barriers for Unobstructed Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Welding workbenches with existing barriers obstruct operators' access to the work area due to their height, even when lowered, as they do not adequately accommodate reaching into the space while maintaining safety standards.

Innovation Solution

A welding workbench assembly featuring dual staggered wraparound barriers with a lifting apparatus that allows the barriers to be vertically staggered and overlapped, creating a combined barrier height that meets safety standards while allowing unobstructed operator access when lowered.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single high barrier is used to meet safety standards, then safety protection is improved, but operator access to the work area is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety protectionVSAvoidoperator access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier system is divided into two separate barriers (first barrier and second barrier) that can be independently positioned. Each barrier provides partial protection, and when both are in the raised position, they collectively meet safety height requirements. When lowered, both barriers are reduced to minimal heights that do not obstruct operator access to the work area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barriers are made dynamically adjustable through lifting apparatus that enables each barrier to independently transition between raised and lowered positions. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operational modes: providing maximum safety protection when both barriers are raised, and enabling unobstructed access when both are lowered.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If barrier height is reduced to improve operator access, then ease of operation is improved, but safety protection is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator accessVSAvoidsafety protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single barrier that must be compromised in height, the protection function is segmented across two barriers. When both barriers are in the lowered position, they provide minimal obstruction for operator access. When safety protection is needed, both barriers are raised to collectively achieve the required protection height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting apparatus enables each barrier to dynamically adjust its height based on operational requirements. The system can transition between states: both barriers lowered for access, both barriers raised for protection, or one raised and one lowered for partial protection with maintained access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single barrier is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide both safety and access is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarrier system structureVSAvoiddual functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier protection function is segmented into two separate barrier structures, each capable of independent vertical movement. This segmentation enables the system to provide both safety protection and operator access functionality that a single barrier cannot achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual barrier system with independent lifting apparatus provides multiple functional states: both barriers raised for maximum safety, both lowered for maximum access, or one raised and one lowered for balanced operation. This multi-functionality exceeds what a single barrier system can provide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9174311B2Welding workbench assembly with wraparound dual state barriers
Publication Date: 2015.11.03 LINCOLN GLOBAL INC
  • US9174311B2 patent drawing
  • US9174311B2 patent drawing
  • US9174311B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A welding workbench assembly comprises a base. The welding workbench assembly further comprises a first wraparound barrier comprising at least three panels, including a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The second panel is adjacent to the first panel at a first end of the first panel and the third panel is adjacent to the first panel at a second end of the first panel. The welding workbench assembly further comprises a second wraparound barrier comprising at least three panels, including a fourth panel, a fifth panel, and a sixth panel. The fifth panel is adjacent to the fourth panel at a first end of the fourth panel and the sixth panel is adjacent to the fourth panel at a second end of the fourth panel.