Automated Section Divider Deployment Rail System

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual deployment and retrieval of freestanding section dividers are labor-intensive and inefficient, requiring physical alignment and coupling of each divider, and subsequent decoupling and loading onto transport vehicles.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a deployment rail system and actuators integrated into a support chassis, allowing section dividers to slide and lock into place, with actuators facilitating lifting and sliding onto surfaces, enabling automated deployment and retrieval using electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual deployment and retrieval of section dividers is used, then labor intensity and time consumption increase, but the process requires physical alignment and coupling of each divider

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment efficiencyVSAvoidmanual labor requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The section dividers are equipped with self-aligning features including alignment pins and corresponding alignment holes that automatically guide the dividers into proper positions during automated handling, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated rail-based system that uses actuators to transport, position, and couple section dividers. The coupling mechanism automatically engages dividers through the alignment features without requiring human physical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated deployment system with actuators and rails is implemented, then deployment efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rail system serves multiple functions: it acts as a transport pathway for moving dividers, a positioning guide through alignment features, and a support structure for the actuators. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated deployment system is divided into modular components including individual actuators, separate rail sections, and discrete coupling mechanisms. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance, troubleshooting, and potential scalability without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11498760B2Deployable and retrievable section dividers

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

An apparatus for deployment and retrieval of section dividers includes a frame, a deployment rail, a first section divider carrier rail, and a second section divider carrier rail. The structure includes a first end of the first section divider carrier rail coupled to a first end of the deployment rail and a first end of the second section divider carrier rail coupled to a second of the deployment rail. A first actuator coupled to the first end of the first section divider carrier rail. A second actuator coupled to the second end of the first section divider carrier rail. The structure further includes a first deployment and retrieval system coupled to the first section divider carrier rail, wherein the first deployment and retrieval system guides a first retrieval body at a first end of a first section divider from the deployment rail to the first section divider carrier rail.