Portable Barrier Pivot Structure for Compact Stowage and Wind Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable barriers for protecting individuals from environmental elements like sun, wind, and rain are not designed to occupy minimal space when stowed, are not convenient to carry, are not wind-resistant, and are not cost-effective to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A portable barrier system comprising a pedestal assembly, cover assembly, and junction assembly made from materials like aluminum or high-density polyethylene, which can be easily deployed and collapsed for protection and storage, featuring a unique mechanism for pivoting legs and arms to create a stable and wind-resistant structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the portable barrier is designed to occupy minimal space when stowed, then it is convenient to carry and transport, but it may compromise structural stability and wind resistance when deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The portable barrier is divided into multiple collapsible segments including a pedestal assembly with legs, a cover assembly with arms, and a junction assembly. These segmented components can be folded and nested within each other to minimize stowed volume while maintaining structural integrity when deployed through telescopic and pivot mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier structure employs a nested configuration where the cover assembly arms are received within the pedestal assembly legs, and components are stored within carrier bags. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall stowed volume to a compact form factor while allowing full structural deployment when needed
2Ease of manufacture
If the portable barrier uses simple materials and design, then it is cost-effective to manufacture, but it may reduce durability and wind resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier structure utilizes material parameter optimization by selecting aluminum or high-density polyethylene with specific strength-to-weight ratios, and designing wall panel thickness and bracing configurations that achieve sufficient durability and wind resistance while maintaining cost-effective manufacturing through standard material specifications
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier employs composite construction combining different materials strategically - aluminum or high-density polyethylene for structural frames, fabric or mesh for wind-resistant panels, and plastic or metal for connection hardware. This composite approach optimizes both durability and manufacturing cost by using appropriate materials for each functional requirement
3Ease of operation
If the portable barrier is designed for quick deployment, then it is easy to operate, but it may compromise structural stability and wind resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier incorporates dynamic deployment mechanisms where legs and arms pivot and telescope into their final positions through controlled motion. The structure transitions from a compact stowed state to a deployed protective state through hinge joints and telescopic sections that lock into place, providing both quick setup and stable wind-resistant configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier components are pre-configured with telescopic sections and pivot joints that are prepared for rapid deployment. The legs and arms are designed with built-in locking mechanisms and connection points that enable quick assembly without requiring complex fastening operations, allowing fast setup while maintaining structural strength
Data Source
AI summary
A portable barrier includes a junction assembly. The portable barrier further includes a pedestal assembly including (i) a plurality of legs that are movable with respect to each other, the plurality of legs includes a first leg and a second leg, and (ii) a first limiter connected to the first leg and the second leg. In addition, the portable barrier includes a cover assembly including (i) 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 (ii) a covering connected to the first arm and the second arm. Further, the portable barrier includes a second limiter extending between the first arm and the first leg. The portable barrier also includes a supplemental component movable with respect to the second arm. Additionally, the portable barrier includes a third limiter extending between the second arm and the supplemental component. The first leg includes (i) a first strut portion extending from the junction assembly, and (ii) a first extension portion pivotably coupled to the first strut portion, the first extension portion terminates in a first unsupported end. The second leg includes (i) a second strut portion extending from the junction assembly, and (ii) a second extension portion pivotably coupled to the second strut portion, the second extension portion terminates in a second unsupported end. The first arm includes (i) a third strut portion extending from the junction assembly, and (ii) a third extension portion pivotably coupled to the third strut portion, the third extension portion terminates in a third unsupported end. The second arm includes (i) a fourth strut portion extending from the junction assembly, and (ii) a fourth extension portion pivotably coupled to the fourth strut portion, the fourth extension portion terminates in a fourth unsupported end.