Modular Barrier System with Segmented Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal deterrent and static electricity dissipation technologies are not easily adaptable for wide-ranging applications, are cumbersome to manufacture, transport, and install, and often require complex configurations to ensure effective protection against both animal damage and static discharge.
Innovation Solution
A barrier system comprising a support member with spaced apart electrical conductor assemblies on its surface, allowing for easy connection and configuration of multiple components to form a continuous barrier, which can be oriented to deter animals and dissipate static electricity by completing an electrical circuit when contacted, using a simple and robust design that ensures effective animal deterrence and static discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing animal deterrent and static electricity dissipation technologies are used, then protection against animal damage and static discharge is achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome to manufacture, transport, and install with limited adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is divided into multiple modular barrier components, each comprising a support member with conductor assemblies. These components can be manufactured independently, transported easily, and assembled on-site to create barriers of various sizes and configurations, resolving the contradiction between reliable protection and ease of manufacture/transport.
Solution Approach 2:
Each barrier component is designed with both animal deterrent function (through conductor assemblies that deliver electric shocks) and static electricity dissipation capability (through conductive paths to ground). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection.
2Reliability
If existing barrier systems are configured to provide comprehensive protection, then both animal deterrence and static discharge protection are achieved, but the configuration becomes complex and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses modular barrier components that can be independently installed and then connected together. Each component contains pre-assembled conductor assemblies, eliminating the need for complex on-site wiring and configuration, thus simplifying installation while maintaining comprehensive protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier components are designed with self-contained conductor assemblies and support members that automatically provide both animal deterrent and static dissipation functions when properly positioned. The system requires minimal external configuration or complex installation procedures, as each component is self-sufficient in providing dual protection.
3Area of stationary object
If a continuous barrier is formed using multiple components, then effective protection coverage is achieved, but the system becomes more complex and harder to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is segmented into multiple compact components that can be transported separately and then assembled on-site to form continuous barriers of any required size. This segmentation allows each component to remain small and easy to transport while the assembled system provides extensive protection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier components are designed with three-dimensional configurations that maximize protection coverage relative to their transport size. The support members and conductor assemblies are arranged to provide effective barrier function in multiple dimensions when assembled, allowing compact transport forms to expand into large-area protection systems.
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 barrier system effectively deters animals and safely dissipates static electricity across a wide range of applications with ease of manufacturing, transportation, and installation, providing a versatile and efficient solution for protecting various items and installations from both animal damage and electrical discharge.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrical conductor assembly comprising a first conductor member disposed on the first major surface of the support member; a second electrical conductor assembly comprising a second conductor member disposed on the first major surface of the support member, the second conductor member spaced apart and electrically insulated from the first conductor member
Implementation Method 2
each electrical contact member and the respective edge of the support member are configured to connect with a corresponding electrical contact member and the respective edge of a corresponding second barrier component, with the connection being formed by the movement of the second barrier component relative to the first barrier component in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first major surface
Data Source
AI summary
A barrier system is provided, the barrier system comprising a first barrier component comprising: a support member formed from an electrically insulating material and having a first major surface, a second major surface and one or more edges extending between the first and second major surfaces; a first electrical conductor assembly comprising a first conductor member disposed on the first major surface of the support member; a second electrical conductor assembly comprising a second conductor member disposed on the first major surface of the support member, the second conductor member spaced apart and electrically insulated from the first conductor member; each of the first and second electrical conductor assemblies comprising an electrical contact member disposed an edge of the support member; wherein each electrical contact member and the respective edge of the support member are configured to connect with a corresponding electrical contact member and the respective edge of a corresponding second barrier component, with the connection being formed by the movement of the second barrier component relative to the first barrier component in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first major surface. The barrier system finds particular use in the deterring of animals and the dissipation of accumulations of static electricity.