Pivoting Mesh Panel Retainer for Edge Protection Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge protection barrier systems face challenges in designing a mesh panel holder that balances high security to prevent inadvertent removal of mesh panels while allowing for simple mounting and installation.
Innovation Solution
A mesh panel holder with a post attachment member and a mesh panel support featuring a pivotable mesh panel retainer and a resilient locking member, which can be locked in different positions to secure the mesh panel, facilitating easy mounting and preventing unintentional removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple hook shaped portion is used to support the mesh panel, then the mounting process becomes simple and tool-free, but the security to prevent inadvertent removal of the mesh panel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh panel retainer is designed to pivot between multiple locked positions (first position for receiving the panel, second position for securing it) and an unlocked position for removal. This dynamic mechanism allows the same component to provide both simple mounting and secure retention depending on its position, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient locking member automatically locks the mesh panel retainer in the locked positions without requiring additional tools or operations. The spring element provides automatic engagement with the locking element, enabling the system to secure itself simply by positioning the retainer, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving reliable security.
2Reliability
If a resilient locking member with multiple locked positions is implemented, then the security against inadvertent removal is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element and spring element are combined into a single resilient locking member assembly that integrates both the locking function and the biasing function. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining the improved security against removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh panel retainer serves multiple functions: it receives the mesh panel in the first position, secures it in the second position, and can be manually operated to unlock. The resilient locking member provides both automatic locking and manual unlocking capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms, limiting complexity growth.
3Strength
If the mesh panel holder carries the weight of the panels, then the structural integrity is compromised, but if it doesn't carry the weight, then the mounting simplicity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The weight-bearing function is extracted from the mesh panel holder and transferred to the post attachment member and support structure. The mesh panel retainer is designed solely for retention and positioning, not for supporting the panel weight. This extraction preserves the structural integrity of the holder while maintaining mounting simplicity through the automated resilient locking mechanism.
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 enhanced security by preventing unintentional removal of mesh panels while allowing for easy installation and mounting, ensuring the mesh panel holders do not need to carry the weight of the panels, thus maintaining structural integrity and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The mesh panel support comprises a resilient locking member, wherein unlocking of the mesh panel retainer from the first and second locked positions requires operation of the resilient locking member
Data Source
AI summary
A mesh panel holder (1) for an edge protection barrier system (30) comprising mesh panels (33) supported on posts (31) by means of the mesh panel holders. The mesh panel holder has a post attachment member (2) and a mesh panel support (3) attached to the post attachment member. The mesh panel support has a mesh panel retainer (4) arranged to pivot between at least a first locked position and a second locked position at different pivotal angles. The mesh panel retainer (4) is arranged to, in the first locked position, enable a mesh panel to be received at the mesh panel support, and, in the second locked position, prevent a received mesh panel from being unintentionally removed from the mesh panel holder. The mesh panel holder includes a resilient locking member (5), wherein unlocking of the mesh panel retainer from the first and second locked positions requires operation of the resilient locking member.