Modular Beach Wall Barrier for Tide Encroachment Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Beachgoers face frustration due to the need to constantly move their belongings and position on the beach to avoid incoming tides, which can wash away personal items, highlighting a need for a portable device that can create a customizable barrier between users and the water to prevent tide encroachment.
Innovation Solution
A portable beach wall device with a body featuring a pointed end and fasteners on each edge, allowing multiple units to be attached and driven into the ground to form a customizable barrier, equipped with additional features like an umbrella holder, solar panel, and hook for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beachgoers do not use a portable barrier device, then they can freely move on the beach, but their belongings may be washed away by incoming tides
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is divided into multiple individual wall segments that can be separately assembled and configured. Each segment is a self-contained unit with interconnection features, allowing the system to be divided into manageable parts that can be easily transported and assembled in various configurations to protect different areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall segments are designed with universal interconnection features that allow them to be assembled in multiple configurations for different protection needs. The same basic segment design can serve various purposes - protecting belongings, creating seating areas, or forming barriers against waves of different heights and angles.
2Reliability
If beachgoers constantly move to avoid incoming tides, then they can keep their belongings safe, but they lose time and enjoyment of their beach experience
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier device is assembled and positioned in advance before the tide arrives, creating a pre-established protection zone. Once assembled, the barrier remains in place throughout the day, eliminating the need for repeated movements as tides come in and out. The preliminary positioning of the barrier allows beachgoers to simply relax within the protected area.
3Reliability
If a fixed barrier is used to prevent tide encroachment, then belongings are protected, but the device cannot be easily transported or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is segmented into multiple lightweight individual units that can be easily picked up, carried, and repositioned independently. This segmentation allows the entire barrier system to be quickly disassembled and moved to a new location if tides change or beach conditions require repositioning, while each segment remains substantial enough to provide effective protection when assembled.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple devices are connected to form a longer barrier, then coverage area increases, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
All wall segments are designed with identical or highly similar interconnection features on corresponding sides, creating a homogeneous connection system throughout the barrier. This uniformity means that each connection point is the same regardless of which segments are being joined, greatly simplifying the assembly process and allowing beachgoers to intuitively connect segments without needing to learn different connection methods for different positions in the barrier.
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
Enables users to maintain a fixed position on the beach throughout the day by creating a customizable barrier against tides, preventing water from encroaching on their area while allowing easy transportation and use of additional features like charging and item storage.
Implementation Method 1
a portable battery charged by a solar panel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a portable beach wall device that can be used to prevent tides from splashing an area where a user is sitting at on the beach throughout the day. The device is primarily comprised of a body with a generally pointed second end and a pair of fasteners on each edge that allow the device to attach to another device. A plurality of the devices can be driven into a ground surface of a beach and attached to one another via the fasteners on each edge to form a customizable barrier between a user and a body of water.