Portable Barrier Tensioner Layout for Intuitive Fast Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable barriers for shielding from environmental elements are cumbersome to deploy and collapse, require complex manufacturing, and have confusing setup processes that involve excessive repositioning of parts, making them difficult for users to set up intuitively.
Innovation Solution
A portable barrier design that allows for a reduced repositioning of 90 degrees of the upper part relative to the lower part during setup, featuring a junction assembly with disc-like components and pivot members, and a cover assembly with arms and covering that can be easily transitioned between expanded and collapsed configurations, facilitating quick deployment and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing portable barrier designs are used, then protection from environmental elements is achieved, but deployment and collapse processes are time-consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The portable barrier is divided into multiple pole structures (first pole structure, second pole structure, third pole structure, fourth pole structure) that can be independently manipulated and assembled. Each pole structure contains segmented components that can be easily connected and disconnected, enabling rapid deployment and collapse without complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The pole structures incorporate movable and adjustable components that allow dynamic reconfiguration during deployment. The structures transition smoothly between collapsed and expanded states through controlled movement of interconnected parts, reducing the time and complexity of deployment while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If traditional umbrella designs are used, then portability is achieved, but constant manual effort or staking mechanisms are required to hold it upright
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring active user intervention to maintain stability (as in traditional umbrellas needing constant manual adjustment or staking), the portable barrier employs self-stabilizing pole structures with interconnected geometric configurations that inherently maintain their upright position through structural design, inverting the approach from active stabilization to passive self-stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The pole structures are pre-configured with connection mechanisms and geometric arrangements that automatically provide stability upon deployment. The structural integrity and stabilizing features are built into the design beforehand, eliminating the need for ongoing user attention or additional staking actions during use.
3Ease of operation
If existing portable barrier designs are used, then protection function is achieved, but the set-up process requires excessive repositioning of parts making it non-intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier structure is segmented into distinct pole structures with clearly defined functions and connection points. This segmentation allows users to assemble the barrier in a logical sequence without requiring complex repositioning of parts, as each segment has a predetermined placement and orientation that simplifies the setup process.
Solution Approach 2:
The pole structures feature standardized, repeating configurations with consistent connection mechanisms and geometric patterns. This standardization creates an intuitive setup process where users can replicate the same assembly pattern across multiple poles, reducing the need for complex repositioning and making the setup procedure more predictable and easier to understand.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of setting up a portable barrier that includes a pedestal assembly with first and second legs, a cover assembly with first and second arms, and a tensioner is disclosed. The method includes (a) moving the first leg from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration, (b) moving the second leg from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration, (c) moving the first arm from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration, and (d) moving the second arm from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration, (e) moving the tensioner from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration; and (f) while the tensioner is positioned in its expanded configuration, maintaining with the tensioner: (1) the first leg in its expanded configuration, (2) the second leg in its expanded leg configuration, (3) the first arm in its expanded configuration, and (4) the second arm in its expanded configuration.