Expandable Barrier Hinge for Partial Aisle Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temporary barriers lack flexibility and customization in delineating areas, particularly in retail environments, as they often require full aisle blockage and do not allow for partial or geometrically shaped enclosures.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable barrier system with a central hinge and expandable sections that articulate around an axis of rotation, allowing for varying articulation angles and configurations, including a hinge lock for stabilization, and featuring a scissoring lattice-type structure for expansion and collapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional temporary barriers are used to delineate areas, then barrier function is provided, but flexibility and customization are limited requiring full aisle blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is divided into multiple expandable sections (first expandable section, second expandable section, third expandable section) that can be independently configured. Each section contains slats that can expand or collapse, allowing the barrier to be customized to different aisle widths and configurations without requiring complete aisle blockage
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier incorporates hinges connecting expandable sections that allow articulation between sections at various angles. This dynamic configuration enables the barrier to adapt to different geometric shapes and partial enclosure requirements while maintaining structural integrity through the articulated joint design
2Adaptability or versatility
If expandable sections articulate around hinge axis, then flexibility increases for various configurations, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connections enable dynamic articulation between expandable sections, allowing the barrier to be configured in various angles and geometric shapes while maintaining structural integrity through the robust hinge design that supports both movement and stable positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation angle between expandable sections can be varied to create different configurations. By changing the angular parameter of the hinge joints, the barrier can adapt to different spatial requirements while maintaining structural stability through the controlled range of motion provided by the hinge mechanism
3Reliability
If full aisle blockage is used, then barrier function is ensured, but customization for partial enclosures is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier consists of multiple independently configurable expandable sections that can be arranged to provide partial or full enclosure. This segmentation allows the barrier to maintain reliable blocking function in the configured areas while leaving other areas open, enabling customized partial enclosures rather than requiring complete aisle blockage
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier system can function in multiple modes - providing full aisle blockage when needed or creating partial enclosures with geometric shapes by articulating sections at different angles. This multi-functionality allows the same barrier structure to reliably perform both complete and partial blocking functions depending on configuration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides flexible and customizable barrier solutions that can partially or fully block aisles, accommodate various geometric shapes, and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, enhancing safety and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a central hinge having a cylindrical post and an axis of rotation; a first expandable section coupled to the cylindrical post of the central hinge by at least a first connector; and a second expandable section coupled to the cylindrical post of the central hinge by at least a second connector. At least one of the first and second expandable sections is configured to articulate around the axis of rotation of the central hinge
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an adjustable barrier having a central hinge having a cylindrical post and an axis of rotation; a first expandable section coupled to the cylindrical post of the central hinge by at least a first connector; and a second expandable section coupled to the cylindrical post of the central hinge by at least a second connector. At least one of the first and second expandable sections is configured to articulate around the axis of rotation of the central hinge forming an articulation angle between the first and second expandable sections.