Portable Barrier with Folding Junction Assembly for Compact Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable barriers for shielding individuals from environmental elements, such as sun, wind, and rain, often fail to occupy a small space when stowed, are not conveniently shaped for carrying, are prone to wind resistance, and are not durable or cost-effective to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A portable barrier design that includes a pedestal assembly with movable legs, a cover assembly with pivotable arms, and a supplemental component with a handle, allowing the barrier to be easily deployed and stowed. The design features a junction assembly with interlocking plates and bolts, and a back screen and covering that can be partially deployed to reduce wind resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the portable barrier is designed to provide adequate protection from environmental elements, then the shielding effectiveness is improved, but the device occupies more space when stowed and is harder to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is divided into multiple panels that can be folded relative to each other, allowing the structure to collapse into a compact form when not in use while maintaining full shielding capability when deployed. The segmented design enables the barrier to reduce its volume for carrying without compromising the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier employs movable joints and hinges that allow the structure to transition dynamically between an extended protective configuration and a collapsed portable configuration. This dynamic capability enables the barrier to adapt its form factor based on operational needs versus portability requirements.
2Strength
If the portable barrier uses a rigid structure for durability, then the structural strength is improved, but the device becomes more resistant to wind and harder to deploy
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid structure is segmented into multiple connected panels with flexible joints, allowing the barrier to bend and flex in response to wind forces rather than acting as a solid rigid surface. This segmentation maintains structural durability while reducing wind resistance through controlled flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural parameters are designed to allow controlled deformation under wind load, with joints that permit limited movement while maintaining overall structural integrity. This parameter optimization enables the barrier to withstand wind forces without compromising durability.
3Ease of operation
If the portable barrier is designed for easy deployment and stowing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier consists of standardized modular panels that can be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying production while enabling easy deployment. Each panel is a discrete unit that can be manufactured separately and then connected through simple joining mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier incorporates self-locking mechanisms and intuitive connection systems that allow users to deploy and stow the structure without requiring complex tools or procedures. The design enables automatic engagement of joints and panels, reducing operational complexity despite the segmented structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable barrier includes a junction assembly having a first junction support, a second junction support, and a third junction support, a first fastener, and a second fastener. The first junction support is spaced apart from the second junction support to define a first junction space. The second junction support is spaced apart from the third junction support to define a second junction space. The first fastener defines a first axis and extends through the first junction support, the second junction support, and the third junction support. The second fastener defines a second axis and extends through the first junction support, the second junction support, and the third junction support. And the first axis is spaced apart from the second axis. The portable barrier further includes a pedestal assembly including a plurality of legs that are movable with respect to each other. The plurality of legs includes a first leg and a second leg. The portable barrier additionally includes a cover assembly including a plurality of arms that are movable with respect to each other, the plurality of arms includes a first arm and a second arm, and a covering connected to the first arm and the second arm. Also, the portable barrier includes a supplemental component pivotally coupled to the junction assembly. The first strut pivots with respect to the junction assembly about the first axis during movement of the portable barrier between the storage mode and the protection mode. In addition, the second strut pivots with respect to the junction assembly about the first axis during movement of the portable barrier between the storage mode and the protection mode. And the junction assembly pivots with respect to the pedestal assembly about the first axis during movement of the portable barrier between the storage mode and the protection mode.