Interlocking Barrier System with Nested Storage and Ballast Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control barriers are either lightweight and easily tipped over, require extensive assembly, or are heavy and difficult to move, with existing plastic barriers being bulky and lacking connectivity for effective force resistance.
Innovation Solution
A portable, reusable barrier system with a housing structure that includes a ballast chamber, kiss-offs for increased stability, and interlocking mechanisms for easy assembly and transportation, eliminating the need for separate connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional lightweight barriers are used, then ease of movement is improved, but stability deteriorates as they are easily tipped over or moved
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is divided into multiple interconnectable sections that can be linked together to form continuous lines or curves, distributing the force of impact across multiple units rather than concentrating it on a single barrier, thereby improving stability while maintaining portability
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier sections are designed to nest within each other when not in use, with smaller sections fitting inside larger ones, reducing storage and transportation space requirements while maintaining full functionality when deployed
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional concrete barriers are used, then stability is improved as they are not easily tipped over, but ease of operation deteriorates as they are extremely heavy and difficult to move
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier material transitions from heavy concrete to lighter plastic or polymer composite materials, fundamentally changing the density parameter while maintaining structural integrity through optimized geometry and interconnection designs that compensate for the reduced material weight
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier system is segmented into multiple interconnected units that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing groups of barriers to be transported together and deployed quickly without requiring heavy lifting equipment
3Ease of operation
If conventional plastic barriers are used, then ease of operation is improved as they are easier to move, but stability deteriorates and they require large storage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is designed as a segmented system where multiple sections connect to form continuous barriers, improving overall stability through distributed load bearing while each individual section remains lightweight and easy to handle
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier sections feature nested storage capability where smaller sections fit within larger ones, dramatically reducing the storage footprint from large dedicated areas to compact nested configurations that minimize space requirements
4Ease of manufacture
If non-connected barriers are used, then ease of operation is improved as they are simpler to manufacture, but reliability deteriorates as they are less effective against large forces
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple barrier sections are merged through interlocking mechanisms that create a continuous, unified barrier system capable of withstanding large forces distributed across all connected sections, while each individual section remains a simple, easy-to-manufacture unit
Data Source
AI summary
A barrier includes a housing having a front wall and an opposing back wall each extending between opposing sidewalls. The housing also includes a floor and an interior surface bounding a chamber, the chamber communicating externally through an inlet opening. A first inset projects into the chamber from the front wall so as to form a recessed blind pocket on the front wall. A second inset projects into the chamber from the back wall so as to form a recessed blind pocket on the back wall. The first inset and the second inset are connected together within the chamber so that the chamber encircles the connection.