Portable Fence with Foldable Frame and Breakaway Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temporary portable fencing systems struggle to balance strength and durability with ease of use, adaptability, and user safety, especially on uneven surfaces during sports events.
Innovation Solution
A portable fence system featuring flexible barrier netting supported by a foldable rigid frame with rotating sections, foldout legs, and a foldable middle bar, constructed from lightweight yet robust materials, and equipped with safety features like breakaway connectors and a gas strut for yielding under pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional metal frame fencing is used, then strength and durability are improved, but ease of erection and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fence is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently assembled and connected. Each section contains a foldable rigid frame with standardized connection points, allowing the fence to be erected by simply connecting pre-assembled modules together, significantly reducing assembly time and complexity while maintaining overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid frame incorporates foldable legs and adjustable components that transition between folded (portable) and extended (stable) states. The legs can be quickly deployed to provide stability during erection, then folded back for compact storage and transport, enabling the fence to adapt its configuration based on operational needs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed metal frame fencing is used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to uneven surfaces and placement flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame includes foldout legs that can be adjusted to various angles and positions, allowing the fence to adapt to uneven ground surfaces. The legs can be extended outward to create a stable base on sloped or irregular terrain, while the entire frame remains structurally rigid when assembled, providing both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection points between frame sections and the ground utilize adjustable parameters such as leg angle, insertion depth, and connection orientation. This allows the fence to be configured for different surface conditions (grass, dirt, concrete, slopes) while maintaining structural integrity through standardized rigid frame construction.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If rigid non-breakable connectors are used, then fence durability is improved, but user safety in case of collision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fence employs different connector types at different locations: permanent rigid connectors for structural joints that require long-term durability, and breakaway connectors at player-accessible areas where controlled failure prevents injury. This localized differentiation allows the fence to be both durable where needed and safe where player contact is expected.
Solution Approach 2:
The breakaway connectors are designed with predetermined failure points that activate before the main frame structure fails during collision. This pre-planned weak link absorbs impact energy and prevents catastrophic frame failure, protecting players while the rest of the fence remains intact and durable for continued use.
4Strength
If heavy-duty materials are used, then strength and durability are improved, but portability and storage efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame utilizes lightweight materials such as aluminum or hollow steel sections that provide high strength-to-weight ratio. The foldable design allows the lightweight structure to achieve temporary rigidity when assembled with locked legs and connected sections, while remaining easy to lift, carry, and store when folded, resolving the contradiction between strength and portability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a strong, durable, and adaptable fencing solution that is easy to deploy and disassemble, enhances user safety by absorbing impacts, and can be used on various surfaces without requiring ground anchoring, thus reducing storage and shipping costs.
Implementation Method 1
a strut such as a gas piston rod or gas spring can be installed in the foldout legs between the side of the frame and the leg. This will allow the fence to yield under pressure, then right itself to its original position
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for easily shipping, deploying, and removing temporary and portable fencing suitable for sports and recreational events is disclosed. The free standing and easily portable fence system disclosed herein comprises flexible barrier netting supported at intervals by a foldable rigid frame. Sections of the foldable rigid frame are connected in such a manner as to allow them to be rotated horizontally at least 90 degrees in either direction. Also included for stability are foldout legs at the ends of the foldable rigid frame. A strut can also be used to enhance safety and stability.