Self-Service Store Access Device Concealing Mounting Foot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access devices for transit systems in self-service shops have a protruding mounting base that complicates cleaning, as it creates areas where dirt can accumulate and is difficult to remove, and requires operators to navigate around both the support element and the mounting base during cleaning, increasing the risk of collision.

Innovation Solution

The access device features a separate mounting base and support element design, where the support element completely covers the mounting base from a viewing perspective, allowing for easy installation and cleaning without collisions, with a connecting element that provides secure attachment and a robust structure, and includes a stabilization plate and security features for reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the mounting base has a lateral overhang to allow screw mounting, then the support element can be securely attached to the floor, but the overhang creates areas where dirt accumulates and is difficult to clean

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoiddirt accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support element is designed to completely cover the mounting base from above, with the mounting base nested within the support element's footprint. The lateral overhang of the mounting base is positioned within the boundary of the support element, creating a nested configuration where the visible support element conceals the mounting base structure that causes cleaning difficulties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting base is extracted as a separate component from the support element, allowing the support element to be designed with a clean, simple top surface that completely covers the mounting base. This separation enables the mounting base to provide secure attachment functionality while remaining hidden beneath the support element, eliminating the cleaning problem associated with visible overhangs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If the mounting base has a lateral overhang, then screw mounting is enabled, but operators must navigate around both the support element and mounting base during cleaning, increasing collision risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting capabilityVSAvoidcleaning operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting base is nested within the support element's horizontal footprint, with the lateral overhang positioned inside the support element's boundary. This nested arrangement presents a single, clean operational surface to cleaning operators, eliminating the need to navigate around multiple protruding components and reducing collision risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If the mounting base and support element are designed as separate components, then assembly is simplified and the support element can completely cover the mounting base, but additional connecting elements are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidcomponent structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The access device is segmented into two distinct components: the mounting base for floor attachment and the support element for the blocking element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly, as the support element can be separately manufactured and then attached to the mounting base using standard connecting elements like screws or snap-fits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separate component design enables the support element to be configured with a larger horizontal footprint than the mounting base, allowing it to completely cover the mounting base when assembled. The nested configuration of the mounting base within the support element's footprint is achieved through the separate component design, providing both assembly simplicity and the desired visual appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4495374A1Access device for a passage installation
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 KESSEBOHMER HLDG KG
  • EP4495374A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4495374A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4495374A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an access device for a passageway, in particular for an entrance system of a self-service store, with at least one support element on which at least one locking element is pivotably arranged and which can be moved between a position closing a passageway and a position releasing the passageway, wherein the access device comprises a mounting foot that can be mounted on a floor and which forms a mounting plane over which it can be placed on the floor, characterized in that the mounting foot and the support element are two separate components and that the support element can be detachably fixed to the mounting foot, wherein the mounting foot has at least one connecting element extending perpendicular to the mounting plane onto which the support element can be slid.and wherein the support element fixed to the mounting base completely conceals it at least in one viewing direction along a longitudinal extension direction of the support element.