Safety Fence Panel Adjacency Reduces Thickness

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security fences with overlapping panels suffer from increased thickness, complex mechanical structure, corrosion protection issues, and inconvenient maintenance due to the need for stripped areas and complex electrical continuity, which complicates assembly and repair.

Innovation Solution

The design features adjacent panels that do not overlap, allowing for a thinner and more compact fence structure with simplified fixing means, where electrical connections are made using dedicated connecting members that avoid mechanical interference and reduce the risk of electrical malfunctions by separating electrical and mechanical functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If panels overlap to ensure mechanical stability and electrical continuity, then structural strength is improved, but the overall thickness of the fence increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidoverall thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fence system is segmented into modular panels that can be assembled in different configurations. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized connection points, allowing the fence to achieve structural strength through modular assembly rather than overlapping, thereby reducing overall thickness while maintaining integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of achieving structural continuity through overlap in the thickness dimension, the patent uses connection elements that extend in perpendicular dimensions (laterally between panels). This dimensional shift allows panels to be joined edge-to-edge without overlapping, reducing thickness while maintaining structural strength through lateral bracing and inter-panel connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If panels overlap to ensure mechanical stability, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex mechanical connection functions are segmented and distributed across multiple simple components: connection elements attach to one panel, separate fastening mechanisms secure adjacent panels, and insulation elements are independently positioned. This segmentation transforms a single complex overlapping joint into multiple simple, standardized connections, reducing overall mechanical structure complexity while maintaining structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection elements are designed with multi-functionality, serving both mechanical attachment and electrical insulation purposes. This universal design reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the mechanical structure while ensuring both structural strength and electrical continuity without requiring complex overlapping arrangements.

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

3Reliability

If panels overlap with stripped areas for electrical continuity, then electrical reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical continuityVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Electrical insulation elements are pre-positioned or pre-assembled with panels during manufacturing, eliminating the need for现场 stripping operations. Connection elements are pre-configured with insulation properties, allowing panels to be assembled in a straightforward sequence without complex preparatory steps, thereby improving ease of manufacture while ensuring electrical reliability through pre-planned insulation placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Dedicated insulation elements serve as intermediaries between adjacent panels, providing electrical continuity through controlled pathways without requiring stripped areas on the panels themselves. These intermediary components simplify manufacturing by allowing panels to be produced with standard surface treatments while achieving electrical reliability through the mediating insulation elements that bridge panel interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Strength

If panels overlap with complex fixing means, then structural strength is improved, but ease of repair decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmaintenance convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing system is segmented into independent, modular components that can be accessed and replaced individually. Connection elements, fasteners, and insulation components are separate replaceable units rather than integrated overlapping joints, allowing repair technicians to replace only the defective component without disassembling the entire panel assembly, thereby improving ease of repair while maintaining structural strength through the modular connection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution reduces the overall thickness of the fence, simplifies the structure for easier maintenance, and minimizes mechanical interaction between panels, thereby enhancing the security and reliability of the fence while reducing the risk of electrical malfunctions.

Implementation Method 1

electrical insulation means between the two plates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

first electrical connection means between the first plates of at least two adjacent panels, as well as second electrical connection means between the second plates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3032003B1Safety fence comprising a plurality of panels attached to a framework
Publication Date: 2017.05.31 SOC RHODANIENNE DELECTRONIQUE APPLIQUEE
  • EP3032003B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3032003B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3032003B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

This fence comprises: - a frame including structural elements (1), - at least two panels (31, 132), each panel comprising at least one first (41) and one second plate assembled adjacent to the other, as well as electrical insulation means between the two plates, - first means (7) for electrical connection between the first plates (41, 42) of at least two adjacent panels (31, 32), as well as second means for electrical connection between the second plates of these adjacent panels. According to the invention, the adjacent panels do not overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to either of their principal planes. This allows for a reduction in the overall thickness of the fence compared to the prior art. Furthermore, the structure of the fastening means used in the fence of the invention can be simplified.