Offset-Pivot Bracket Assemblies for Damage-Free Barrier Articulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Expandable barriers prone to damage when articulated around hinges to non-flush positions.

Innovation Solution

A bracket assembly with an offset pivot axis and articulating couplers that allow the expandable barrier to rotate up to 270 degrees while preventing damage by using stops to define articulation boundaries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If expandable barriers are articulated around hinges to non-flush positions, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the barrier portions are prone to permanent damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticulation flexibilityVSAvoiddamage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A bracket assembly with an offset pivot axis is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the barrier portion and the mounting surface. This mediator allows the barrier to articulate through a controlled 270-degree range while the offset geometry prevents the barrier from contacting the mounting surface, thereby avoiding damage during articulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot axis is deliberately offset from the mounting surface by a specific distance, changing the geometric parameter of the articulation mechanism. This offset creates sufficient clearance that allows the barrier to rotate through a 270-degree range without the barrier portion making contact with the mounting surface, thus preventing damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the pivot axis is offset from the upright, then the expandable barrier can articulate through a wider range without damage, but the bracket assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticulation rangeVSAvoidbracket assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a mounting portion that attaches to the upright, an articulating portion that provides the pivot axis, and a barrier attachment portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve the 270-degree articulation range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If stops are added to define articulation boundaries, then damage prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticulation controlVSAvoidbracket assembly components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket assembly incorporates movable stops that can be positioned at different locations along the articulation path. These dynamic stops provide adjustable articulation boundaries, allowing the system to adapt to different installation requirements while maintaining damage prevention through controlled movement limits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250250818A1Bracket assemblies for articulating expandable barriers and methods of use

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 ZWIERZYKOWSKI PETER

AI summary

A bracket assembly for attaching an expandable barrier to an upright including a first mount component coupled to a second mount component forming a hinge region having a pivot axis. The first mount component is configured to couple to the expandable barrier and the second mount component is configured to couple to the upright. The pivot axis of the hinge region is off-set a distance from the upright sufficient to articulate the expandable barrier around the pivot axis from a first position in which the expandable barrier lies substantially within a plane that is parallel to a plane of a first side of the upright to a second position in which the expandable barrier lies substantially within a plane that is parallel to a plane of a second side of the upright. Related devices, systems, and methods are provided.