Modular Group Spacing Structure for Reliable Social Distancing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices fail to effectively maintain proper social distancing between groups and within groups at large events or crowded areas, such as beaches and concerts, as existing solutions like ropes are unreliable and do not ensure adherence to safe social distance protocols.
Innovation Solution
A group spacing device comprising four outer connection adapters joined by exterior border strips, inner connection adapters joined by poles, and a fence assembly that secures to the ground using screw anchors, creating a defined space to maintain at least six feet of distance between groups and within groups, adaptable for outdoor and indoor use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a rope is used to mark group boundaries, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of maintaining proper social distancing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing device is divided into multiple modular components including connection adapters, border strips, and poles that can be assembled together to form a stable geometric structure, replacing the single-component rope solution
Solution Approach 2:
The device pre-establishes a fixed six-foot spacing geometry through its rigid structure, eliminating the need for continuous human monitoring and adjustment that would be required with flexible ropes
2Ease of operation
If people within a group are allowed to move freely, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of maintaining social distancing within groups deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device creates distinct local zones within the group spacing structure - outer zones for individual movement and an inner protected zone that maintains six-foot distances from other groups, allowing freedom within boundaries while ensuring safety
Solution Approach 2:
The connection adapters and border strips serve as intermediary structures that define group boundaries, allowing people to move freely within their designated space while preventing encroachment into other groups' spaces
3Reliability
If the group spacing device is made secure and stable, then the reliability of maintaining social distancing is improved, but the ease of manufacture and setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is constructed from separate modular components (adapters, strips, poles) that can be manufactured independently using standard processes and then assembled together, balancing manufacturing ease with structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple components are combined through the connection adapters that join border strips and poles into a unified stable structure, achieving reliability through integration while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular design
Data Source
AI summary
A group spacing device for keeping groups of people at least six feet apart or some other determined distance from other groups of people the group spacing device having four outer connection adapters joined by four corresponding exterior border strips, four inner connection adapters joined by at least four poles, at least four poles joining the outer connection adapters to corresponding inner connection adapters, a fence assembly that mounts to the outer connection adapters so as to stretch across and above the exterior border strips, a plurality of screw anchors that passes through apertures in the outer connection adapters and or inner connection adapters until stopped by an anchor stop to secure the group spacing device to a sand or ground surface and a tent mountable over the group spacing device.