Portable Fence System with Pivotable Panels and Deployable Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable fence systems lack the ability to assume a flat configuration for easy storage and shipping while also being quickly deployable into a vertical configuration for use as a secure barrier, and they often require complex assembly and anchoring methods.
Innovation Solution
A portable fence system comprising interlocking units with a pivotable fence member, downwardly inclined braces for stability, and detachable wheel assemblies that can be rotated for storage, deployment, and transportation, allowing for compact stacking and easy reconfiguration of the fence units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the fence system is designed to be portable and collapsible for storage, then ease of storage and shipping is improved, but the time and complexity required for assembly and deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fence system is divided into multiple modular panels that can be independently collapsed and stored. Each panel contains integrated wheel assemblies that allow individual panels to be rolled up into compact configurations, reducing overall storage volume while maintaining quick deployment capability through simple interconnection mechanisms between panels
Solution Approach 2:
The fence panels incorporate movable wheel assemblies that can be rotated between a deployed position (supporting the panel in a vertical orientation) and a retracted position (allowing the panel to be collapsed flat). This dynamic mechanism enables rapid transition between storage and operational states without complex assembly procedures
2Stability of the object's composition
If the fence system uses permanent ground anchoring for stability, then reliability and stability are improved, but portability and ease of relocation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assemblies are designed to be pressible into the ground to provide temporary anchoring, creating friction-based stability without permanent installation. This dynamic anchoring mechanism allows the fence to be quickly installed and relocated by simply pressing the wheels into the ground at new locations, maintaining both stability and portability
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring function is extracted from permanent ground fixtures and implemented through the movable wheel assemblies that can be pressed into the ground. This removes the need for permanent anchoring systems while providing sufficient stability through friction and ground engagement, enabling easy relocation
3Strength
If the fence system uses complex interconnection mechanisms for secure assembly, then structural strength is improved, but ease of operation and assembly speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection mechanism merges multiple functions into a single coupling device that simultaneously provides structural strength, alignment, and quick connection. The coupling devices feature simple engagement mechanisms that maintain strong structural bonds between panels while requiring minimal assembly steps, improving both strength and ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A portable fence system comprising a plurality of interlocking fence units. Each fence unit has a main frame and at least one wheel assembly deployable from a withdrawn position to an extended ground-engaging position for rolling. A fence member is pivotally affixed to a forward portion of the main frame. The fence member may be lowered into a horizontal position for storage and raised into a vertical position for use. Downwardly and rearwardly inclined braces extend from a top portion of the fence member to the rear edge of the frame. Protective coverings are placed on portions of the fence member to prevent injuries from impact therewith. Couplers are provided along opposing side portions of the fence member, so that adjacent fence units may be interconnected and arranged to provide the desired length and configuration for the fence system.