Rail End Mount and Pole Socket for Damage-Free Curtain Partitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing partition systems for construction zones often result in damage to surfaces when installed, as they rely on nails, screws, staples, tape, or adhesives, which can pull paint off or leave residue. Additionally, these systems may exhibit sag or gaps between the curtain and abutting surfaces, compromising their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A mount system comprising a base with a channel for retaining a rail head, a curtain attachment mechanism for securing the curtain, and a socket for interfacing with a pole. This system allows for easy installation and removal without damaging surfaces and includes features to eliminate sag or gaps between the curtain and abutting surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If nails, screws, or staples are used to install partitions, then the partition is securely fixed, but the floor and wall surfaces are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a base with a socket that interfaces with a pole as an intermediary component. The pole acts as a mediator that transfers the securing force from the ceiling to the base, eliminating the need for direct attachment to the floor surface. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining fixing strength through the pole-base connection while avoiding damage to the floor surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system (nails, screws, staples) with a pole-based support system. Instead of mechanically fastening the partition directly to the floor and walls, the system uses a vertical pole inserted into a socket to provide structural support, substituting the harmful mechanical fastening with a non-invasive support mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If tape or adhesives are used to install partitions, then the partition is easily installed, but paint is removed from walls or adhesive residue remains
Solution Approach 1:
The base with socket serves as an intermediary that eliminates direct contact between installation materials and wall surfaces. The pole inserted into the socket provides the primary securing mechanism, removing the need for tape or adhesives that cause paint removal and residue, while maintaining ease of installation through simple pole insertion.
3Device complexity
If a single elongated head is used to eliminate sag, then the structure is simplified, but human movement is inhibited and not all sag is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the partition system into multiple independent components: multiple bases positioned at different locations, each with its own socket for pole insertion. This segmentation allows the curtain to be supported at multiple points, effectively eliminating sag throughout the entire partition while maintaining human movement and simplifying the overall structure through modular design.
4Reliability
If poles are positioned to support the curtain, then sag is eliminated, but human movement is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning bases and poles only at specific critical locations where sag would occur (typically at intervals along the partition), rather than continuously supporting the entire curtain. This localized support eliminates sag effectively while leaving the spaces between poles open for unobstructed human movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A mount comprises a base having opposed upper and lower surfaces and at least one channel on the upper surface of the base extending in a first horizontal direction. The at least one channel comprises a head-mounting feature constructed and arranged to removably retain a rail head in the first horizontal direction. At least one curtain attachment mechanism is constructed and arranged to secure a curtain, wherein the at least one curtain attachment mechanism extends in a direction that is transverse to the first horizontal direction. A socket positioned at the lower surface of the base is constructed and arranged to interface with a pole.