Portable Barrier With Modular Segmented Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable barriers for protecting individuals from environmental elements, such as sun, wind, and rain, are often time-consuming and complicated to deploy and collapse, and are difficult to manufacture, with traditional umbrellas requiring constant manual effort for stability.
Innovation Solution
A portable barrier system comprising a junction assembly, leg and arm assemblies, a flooring, and a covering that can be easily moved between collapsed and expanded configurations, allowing for quick setup and storage, with a supplemental component for stability and side openings for visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional umbrellas or existing portable barriers are used, then protection from environmental elements is provided, but they require constant manual effort or complex deployment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is divided into multiple modular panels that can be independently handled and assembled. Each panel contains integrated struts and connection mechanisms, allowing the barrier to be segmented into manageable sections that simplify deployment while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into single components: panels include both structural support elements and protective surfaces, connection mechanisms integrate locking and positioning functions, and struts provide both support and deployment assistance. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall deployment process.
2Reliability
If existing portable barriers are designed for stability, then they can withstand environmental forces, but they are time-consuming to deploy and collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier employs dynamic connection mechanisms that allow rapid transition between deployed and collapsed states. The panels and struts are designed to move smoothly through deployment stages, with connection points that automatically engage and disengage, enabling quick setup and takedown while maintaining stability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier components are pre-configured with integrated connection points, pre-positioned struts, and pre-aligned panel edges. This preliminary arrangement of components allows users to simply connect pieces rather than assemble them from scratch, significantly reducing deployment time while ensuring proper structural configuration for stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional barriers use simple structures, then they are easy to manufacture, but they lack stability without constant user attention
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier incorporates self-stabilizing mechanisms including automatic locking connections that secure panels in place, self-adjusting struts that maintain proper positioning, and interlocking panel designs that self-align during assembly. These features allow the barrier to stabilize itself without requiring constant user attention or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary connection components such as locking mechanisms, alignment guides, and stabilizing struts that mediate between simple panel structures and the requirement for stability. These intermediary elements are relatively simple to manufacture but provide the necessary stability and self-stabilizing functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable barrier has a pedestal assembly including (i) a plurality of legs that are movable with respect to each other, the plurality of legs include a first lateral leg and a second lateral leg, and (ii) a first limiter connected to the first lateral leg and the second lateral leg. The portable barrier further has a cover assembly including (i) a plurality of arms that are movable with respect to each other, the plurality of arms include a first lateral arm and a second lateral arm, and (ii) a covering connected to the first lateral arm and the second lateral arm. In addition, the portable barrier has a first side screen connected to the first lateral arm and the first lateral leg, the first side screen defining a side opening. The portable barrier further has a first side opening cover.