Modular countertop shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing countertop shields have fixed physical dimensions, limiting their adaptability to different workstation arrangements and requiring additional time and resources for manufacturing to fit various dimensions, making them inflexible and costly.
Innovation Solution
A modular protective shield system with adjustable center and side panels featuring attachment features such as hooks and slots, allowing for customizable configurations to fit various dimensions and surfaces, including the option to stand upright or be hung, using materials like polymer and glass for transparency and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shields are manufactured with fixed physical dimensions, then manufacturing is simpler and more cost-effective, but adaptability to different workstation arrangements and dimensions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into multiple detachable panels of standardized dimensions that can be assembled in different configurations. Each panel includes attachment features that enable connection to adjacent panels, allowing the shield to be customized for various workstation dimensions while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardization.
2Productivity
If shields are made with fixed dimensions, then manufacturing time and resources are reduced, but additional time and resources are required to manufacture different sizes for various demands
Solution Approach 1:
The shield system uses universal panels with standardized attachment features that can be configured to meet multiple dimensional requirements. This allows a single panel design to serve multiple purposes across different industries and workstation arrangements, eliminating the need to manufacture separate shield sizes for each specific demand.
3Ease of operation
If shields have fixed physical dimensions, then the shield design is simpler, but options for arranging shields are limited when workstations are rearranged
Solution Approach 1:
The shield system transitions from a static fixed-dimension design to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. Panels can be easily assembled, disassembled, and rearranged to adapt to changing workstation layouts, providing operational flexibility without requiring complex custom manufacturing for each arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
The present teachings generally relate to a countertop shield and kit therefor, the countertop shield includes: a center panel including at least one long edge; at least one short edge; and at least one first center panel attachment feature, located adjacent to the at least one long edge and at least one second center panel attachment feature located adjacent to the at least one short edge; and at least one side panel including at least one side panel attachment feature; wherein the at least one first or second center panel attachment feature is configured to engage the at least one side panel attachment feature, wherein the center panel, the at least one side panel, or both are adapted to stand upright on a surface.