Self-Coiling Bimini Barrier for Compact Storage and Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional barriers, such as Bimini covers, pose storage challenges due to limited space, necessitating removal and storage when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A self-coiling barrier apparatus that retains itself in a coiled configuration when not in use, utilizing a bistable coil spring or laminated sheets to maintain an extended position without external support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional barriers are used, then protection function is provided, but storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier material is configured to coil into a compact cylindrical form when retracted, with the coil spring nested within the barrier material layers. This nesting allows the extended barrier to be stored in a minimal space footprint while maintaining full protection capability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier transitions from a two-dimensional extended surface providing protection to a three-dimensional coiled cylinder for storage. This dimensional transformation enables the barrier to occupy minimal storage space while maintaining its protective function when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional barriers are used, then protection function is provided, but manual storage operation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring is configured to automatically coil the barrier material when payed out, eliminating the need for manual rolling or folding. The system serves itself by using the spring's inherent mechanical energy to perform the storage function that would otherwise require human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier system transitions from a static conventional barrier to a dynamic self-coiling structure. The coil spring provides continuous mechanical force to automatically retract the barrier, creating a dynamic system that adapts its configuration based on deployment or storage state without manual control.
3Ease of operation
If self-coiling mechanism is implemented, then storage convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier material is constructed as flexible laminated sheets that can be easily coiled and uncoiled. This flexible film structure simplifies the overall system by eliminating rigid components while maintaining the protective function, reducing complexity despite the self-coiling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier uses laminated composite material construction that provides both structural integrity for protection and flexibility for coiling. This composite structure integrates multiple functions (protection, flexibility, coilability) into a single material system, reducing the need for additional complex components.
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 self-coiling mechanism allows for convenient storage and deployment of barriers, eliminating the need for manual storage and providing protection from environmental elements.
Implementation Method 1
a self-coiling barrier apparatus that retains itself in a coiled configuration when not in use, utilizing a bistable coil spring
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a bistable coil spring or laminated sheets to maintain an extended position without external support
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, including: a Bimini assembly (100) with a fixed portion (104) and a retractable portion (106); a coil spring (110) secured to the retractable portion and configured to urge the retractable portion to coil when the coil spring is not in a fully extended position; and a stabilizing feature configured to selectively hold the retractable portion in a retractable portion fully extended position.