Modular Bollard Covering Assembly Using Standardized Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of bollard coverings is inefficient due to the need for customized secondary forming processes for each design, size, or configuration, leading to increased setup costs and limited design flexibility, which results in higher production costs and inventory burdens.
Innovation Solution
A modular design and construction for bollard coverings, comprising a body, body connector, centers, and top, with post guide surfaces and securement holes, allowing for easy assembly and customization using standard inventory elements and inexpensive joining methods, such as welding or mechanical fastening, to create a wide range of configurations without excessive setup or machining costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If customized secondary forming processes are used for each bollard design, size, or configuration, then manufacturing precision and design customization are improved, but setup costs increase and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bollard is divided into multiple modular components including a body portion, a base portion, and a cap portion that can be manufactured separately using standardized processes and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be produced efficiently through standardization while still enabling customization through different assembly configurations and component selections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates universal standardized components and joining mechanisms that can be used across multiple bollard designs and configurations. The base portion with standardized mounting features and the modular body sections can serve multiple functions and be adapted to various specifications, reducing the need for customized tooling and processes for each unique bollard variant.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized secondary forming processes are used for each bollard design, size, or configuration, then design flexibility is improved, but setup costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the bollard into standardized modular components, the system achieves design flexibility through various assembly configurations rather than requiring customized forming processes for each design. The standardized components can be reconfigured to create different bollard styles and specifications without incurring additional setup costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized components are pre-manufactured using established processes and designs are configured through selection and assembly of these pre-made elements. This preliminary standardization eliminates the need for costly secondary forming operations during final production, as customization is achieved through component selection rather than custom manufacturing.
3Productivity
If standardized modular components and joining methods are used, then manufacturing efficiency and productivity are improved, but design customization options may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented design with standardized components actually expands design options while maintaining manufacturing efficiency. Different body portions, cap styles, and base configurations can be combined in various ways to create diverse bollard designs, all using the same standardized joining methods and production processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal standardized components are designed to be multi-functional, serving as the basis for multiple different bollard configurations. The same base portion and joining mechanisms can accommodate various body styles and cap designs, providing extensive design versatility through a standardized component platform rather than limiting customization.
Data Source
AI summary
A bollard covering formed from a body, a body connector, a first center, a second center, a bottom, and a top is disclosed. The body connector and bottom further comprise post guide surfaces. In order to secure the bollard covering to the post, one or more holes are provided within the bottom, threaded to accommodate a set screw, or the like. Bollard covering elements are joined by welding, bonding, or mechanical fastening. Bollard coverings may be formed from standard inventory elements in order to create a standard inventory or a customized bollard covering product that may be economically configured on an individual bollard covering basis, or on small or large scale runs, with as much variation in optional components, features, and conveniences as may be required by the marketplace.