Vehicle Roof-Mounted Barrier Supports for Pathogen Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal protective equipment, such as masks, may not effectively reduce the transmission of pathogens between individuals in close proximity, and dividers like plexiglass shields are not readily available or easily installable in various vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A mountable apparatus with a lip and surface for securing to vehicle gaps, supporting a barrier structure through depressions for support members, allowing easy installation and removal without leaving marks, using materials like plastic, metal, or glass, and including features like telescoping mechanisms and biasing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If plexiglass shields are installed to separate individuals in vehicles, then pathogen transmission is reduced, but installation complexity and availability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is divided into separate components: a barrier element (plexiglass shield) and a mounting apparatus with lip and support members. This segmentation allows the barrier to be installed independently without complex integration, reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining pathogen transmission reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus acts as an intermediary between the barrier element and the vehicle interior surfaces. The lip engages with vehicle gaps while support members attach to walls, providing a simple mediation mechanism that eliminates the need for complex direct attachment methods
2Reliability
If permanent mounting methods are used to secure barriers, then stability is improved, but ease of installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus uses reversible engagement mechanisms rather than permanent fixation. The lip can be inserted into and removed from vehicle gaps, and support members can be attached to and detached from walls, providing dynamic adjustability while maintaining stability during use
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus is designed to be temporarily deployed and then removed without leaving permanent marks or damage. The lip and support members can be recovered and reused in different locations, enabling easy installation and removal while maintaining barrier stability during each deployment
3Adaptability or versatility
If universal barrier solutions are designed for various vehicle types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus is designed with universal features that allow it to be adapted to various vehicle types and interior configurations. The lip can engage with different gap configurations while support members can attach to various wall surfaces, providing multi-functionality without requiring complex vehicle-specific designs
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus allows for parameter adjustments such as positioning different support members at various locations and orientations to accommodate different vehicle geometries. This flexibility enables adaptation to various vehicle types while maintaining a relatively simple basic structure
Data Source
AI summary
An example of an vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a passenger compartment to carry a passenger and a driver, wherein the passenger compartment is open. In addition, the vehicle includes a roof to cover the passenger compartment. The vehicle further includes an equipment compartment to carry equipment. The equipment compartment is positioned behind the passenger compartment. Furthermore, the vehicle includes a first barrier structure mounted to the roof to separate the passenger and the driver. The vehicle also includes a second barrier structure mounted to the roof to separate the passenger compartment and the equipment compartment.