Rotatable Railing Fence Members for Adjustable Privacy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fencing and railing systems lack the ability to adapt between open and solid configurations, compromising on privacy and aesthetics based on varying use conditions.

Innovation Solution

A fencing/railing section with movable fence members that can rotate 360 degrees or more, driven by mechanisms such as gears or electric actuators, allowing for adjustable openness and appearance to suit different use conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If solid fencing sections are used, then privacy is improved, but viewability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprivacyVSAvoidviewability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The fence members are made rotatable about their longitudinal axes, transforming the static fence into a dynamic system. Users can rotate individual fence members to change from a solid blocking configuration to an open view configuration, allowing the same structure to provide both privacy and viewability as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fence is divided into multiple independently rotatable fence members rather than a single solid panel. Each fence member can be rotated independently or in groups, allowing selective adjustment of privacy sections versus view sections within the same fence structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Illumination intensity

If open section fencing is used, then viewability is improved, but privacy is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveviewabilityVSAvoidprivacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable fence members enable the fence to dynamically switch between open and closed configurations. When fence members are rotated to an open position, viewability is improved; when rotated to a closed position, privacy is restored, allowing users to adapt to different conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the entire fence to be either fully open or fully closed, the system allows partial adjustment where only certain fence members are rotated. This enables selective opening of specific sections to improve viewability while maintaining privacy in other sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed configuration fencing is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The addition of rotatable joints and drive mechanisms transforms a simple fixed fence into an adaptable dynamic system. The basic fence structure remains relatively simple to manufacture, but the rotatable features add adaptability without requiring completely different fence designs for different conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The same fence structure with rotatable members serves multiple functions: it can provide privacy when closed, allow views when opened, and potentially provide different security levels. This multi-functionality is achieved by adding the rotation capability to a standard fence design rather than creating multiple specialized fences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables users to selectively achieve privacy and visibility based on need, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics by allowing the system to transition between closed and open configurations.

Implementation Method 1

Operation of the drive mechanism causes simultaneous rotation of the movable fence members along longitudinal axes of the respective movable fence members through an angle of 360 degrees or more

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Data Source

PatentUS8302938B2Railing section with adjustable fence members

Publication Date: 2012.11.06 EBELING CORDELL E

AI summary

A railing section is capable of being adapted for varying conditions of use. The railing section includes first and second support rails. The first support rail has a longitudinal void. A plurality of movable fence members are perpendicularly disposed between the first and second support rails. A drive mechanism is disposed in the longitudinal void of the first support rail and coupled to the plurality of movable fence members. Operation of the drive mechanism causes simultaneous rotation of the movable fence members along longitudinal axes of the respective movable fence members through an angle 360 degrees or more. Two or more railing sections may be coupled together by a member that couples the respective drive mechanisms of the sections.