Protective Assembly With Deformable Tabs For Weld-Free Barrier Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barriers for street furniture protection require lengthy on-site assembly and high costs due to welding, along with increased risk of work-related injuries.
Innovation Solution
A protection kit comprising a post with side openings and a sleeve with deformable tabs that can be assembled without welding, using pre-scored portions for easy assembly and a method involving anchoring a base plate to the ground with a locking cone to secure the post, reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs and minimizing injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal parts are welded together to form barriers, then structural strength is improved, but assembly time increases and work-related injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is divided into modular components (posts, rails, sleeves) that can be assembled separately and connected through deformation-based joining rather than welding. The sleeve with deformable tabs is inserted into the post, and the rail is then inserted into the sleeve, creating a segmented but structurally sound assembly that reduces on-site welding time.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable tabs on the sleeve are pre-formed to enable insertion and deformation during assembly. The pre-scoring on the post creates predetermined opening paths that guide the deformation process. These preliminary structural preparations allow for rapid assembly without requiring complex welding procedures on-site.
2Strength
If metal parts are welded together to form barriers, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the barrier into modular components with standardized deformable tab connections, the manufacturing process becomes more efficient. Components can be manufactured separately using simpler processes and then assembled without welding, reducing both manufacturing and on-site assembly costs while maintaining structural integrity through the deformation-based joining mechanism.
3Strength
If metal parts are welded together to form barriers, then structural strength is improved, but work-related injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The welding process is completely extracted from the barrier assembly system and replaced with a mechanical deformation-based joining method. The sleeve with deformable tabs is inserted into the post and secured through tab deformation, eliminating the need for welding machines, sparks, and hot work procedures that pose safety risks to workers.
4Productivity
If deformable tabs are used to assemble the protection kit, then assembly speed is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable tabs provide a dynamic joining mechanism where the material deforms elastically or plastically during insertion to create a secure mechanical interlock. The tab deformation absorbs assembly tolerances and creates a firm connection between the sleeve and post, while the rail insertion into the sleeve further restrains the tab in its deformed position, maintaining structural strength throughout the assembly process.
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 solution allows for rapid assembly and reduced costs by eliminating the need for welding, while enhancing safety by minimizing work-related injuries and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sleeve comprising at least one deformable tab, designed to receive a rail within its interior and to enter one said opening with the deformation of at least one said tab
Implementation Method 2
a post comprising at least one first pre-scoring to form, along the tear-out of at least one pre-scored portion, a first opening for a sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
The protection kit comprises at least one post comprising at least one side opening, at least one rail, and at least one sleeve comprising at least one deformable tab. The sleeve is operable to receive a rail within its interior and to enter a side opening with deformation of at least one tab. Preferably, at least one opening is fitted with a tooth and the tab is deformable elastically and comprises an opening to receive the tooth. The insertion of a sleeve into the opening of the post causes the tab to deform until the tooth is located in the opening of the tab and the insertion of the rail into the interior of the sleeve restrains the tab.