Interlocking Barrier System with Ballast Chamber and Flag Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional control barriers used in airports and high-impact environments are lightweight, easily tipped over, and pose safety risks due to their inability to withstand propeller wash or jet blast, and they often have gaps that allow individuals or equipment to pass through, while being difficult to assemble, move, and store.

Innovation Solution

A barrier assembly with interlocking projection portions and a coupler system that allows for secure connection and angle adjustment between barriers, filled with ballast for stability, and made of resilient polymeric materials for energy absorption, along with a flag assembly for enhanced visibility and security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional lightweight barriers are used, then ease of movement is improved, but stability and resistance to propeller wash/jet blast deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of movementVSAvoidstability against propeller wash and jet blast

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier system is divided into modular segments that can be connected together. Each segment is lightweight enough for easy handling but when connected形成 a stable structure that resists aircraft forces. The interlocking coupling mechanisms allow segments to work together as a unified barrier system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier employs a composite structure combining a hollow polymeric body with internal reinforcement elements and ballast compartments. This composite design provides both light weight for ease of movement and sufficient mass/strength for stability against propeller wash and jet blast.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If conventional barriers with gaps are used, then ease of assembly is improved, but safety deteriorates due to slip hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidslip hazards from gaps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier includes an expandable interlocking mechanism where coupling projections and recesses dynamically adjust during assembly. The spring-loaded or resilient coupling elements allow for easy connection while automatically forming tight joints that eliminate gaps between segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If concrete barriers are used, then stability and impact resistance are improved, but ease of movement and storage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidease of movement and storage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier utilizes changeable parameters including removable ballast, inflatable chambers, or adjustable rigidizing elements. These parameters can be modified to transition the barrier between a lightweight state for easy movement/storage and a heavy-duty state for maximum impact resistance and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If plastic barriers are used, then ease of movement is improved, but structural integrity and resistance to breaking deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of movementVSAvoidstructural integrity and resistance to breaking

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier incorporates energy-absorbing elements such as foam cores, honeycomb structures, or deformable polymeric materials within the hollow body. These cushioning elements are pre-installed to absorb impact energy and prevent catastrophic failure, maintaining structural integrity while allowing the barrier to remain lightweight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution provides a stable, secure, and easily transportable barrier system that can withstand aircraft propeller wash and jet blast, prevents unwanted movement or rotation, and allows for efficient storage and assembly, enhancing safety and operational efficiency in high-impact environments.

Implementation Method 1

made of resilient polymeric materials for energy absorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

filled with ballast for stability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS8939675B2Barrier systems with interlocking flag

Publication Date: 2015.01.27 OTW HLDG CO

AI summary

A barrier assembly includes a barrier having a chamber adapted to hold a ballast, an inlet being formed on the barrier in communication with the chamber. A flag assembly includes a post having a first end and an opposing second end with a flag disposed on the first end. A retainer is disposed on the post and includes a catch radially outwardly projecting from the post, the catch being movable between an outwardly extended position and an inwardly retracted position, the catch resiliently urging toward the extended position when in the retracted position, the first end of the post being received within the inlet on the barrier so that the catch is disposed within the chamber in the extended position, the catch being configured so that the first end of the post cannot be pulled out through the inlet without moving the catch to the retracted position.