Ball Screw Security Gate Actuator Without Hydraulic Leaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic and pneumatic security gate actuator systems are prone to unpredictable failures, environmentally hazardous, and affected by seasonal temperature changes, leading to inconsistent performance and difficult maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit electrical/mechanical security gate actuator system using a motor coupled with a main ball screw and drive shaft stage, incorporating a fail-safe lock, power-assist spring, and positive air system, which operates entirely with electricity and has a battery backup for reliable operation and easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic actuating systems are used, then the bollards can be actuated, but the systems are environmentally hazardous due to fluid leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes hydraulic actuation with an electric motor and ball screw mechanism, eliminating hydraulic fluid entirely. This mechanical-electrical system provides the same actuating capability without the environmental hazard of fluid leaks contaminating the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the hydraulic fluid from the actuating system, replacing it with a dry mechanical system. This extraction eliminates the source of environmental contamination while preserving the core function of raising and lowering bollards.
2Reliability
If conventional actuating systems are used, then the bollards can be raised and lowered, but maintenance is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the actuating system into modular components: an electric motor, a ball screw assembly, and a control system. This segmentation allows individual components to be easily accessed, inspected, and replaced without disassembling the entire system, significantly reducing maintenance time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement of hydraulic components with an electric motor-driven ball screw system eliminates the need for fluid leaks, seal replacements, and pressure system maintenance. The solid mechanical components require minimal maintenance and can be quickly serviced by local electricians or facility staff.
3Reliability
If hydraulic or pneumatic systems are used, then the bollards can be actuated, but the systems require complex infrastructure and are difficult to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic or pneumatic infrastructure with a simple electric motor system that can be powered by standard electrical outlets. This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic pumps, reservoirs, hoses, or pneumatic compressors and air lines, dramatically reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor-driven ball screw system can be universally installed in various locations with standard electrical power availability, eliminating the need for specialized hydraulic or pneumatic infrastructure. The system can be easily replaced or relocated by connecting to different electrical outlets, providing greater flexibility and reducing infrastructure complexity.
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 system provides quick and reliable operation of security gates, unaffected by environmental temperatures, with reduced maintenance needs and no hazardous fluids, ensuring consistent performance and easy replacement without environmental contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a main stage comprising a main ball screw and a main ball nut, the main ball screw having a first end operatively coupled to the motor and a second end opposite the first end and distal to the motor, the main ball screw having a central axis and comprising main threads disposed on an outer surface of the main ball screw, the main ball nut disposed around and mateably coupled to the main threads, the main ball nut configured to translate rotational motion of the main ball screw to linear motion of the main ball nut
Implementation Method 2
a motor configured to electrically couple to a power source
Implementation Method 3
an air manifold coupled to the housing and configured to receive air into the housing and maintain positive air pressure inside the housing relative to outside of the housing
Implementation Method 4
a fail-safe lock disposed adjacent the first end of the main ball screw, the fail-safe lock comprising an engaged position in which the fail-safe lock engages the main ball screw and restricts the main ball screw from rotating, and a disengaged position in which the fail-safe lock disengages from the main ball screw and permits the main ball screw to rotate
Data Source
AI summary
A security gate actuator includes a main ball screw, a main ball nut, and a drive shaft stage. The main ball screw may further include a circular channel disposed on an outer surface of the main ball screw and at least one drive ball disposed in the circular channel. The main ball nut may be disposed on the main threads of the main ball screw and configured to translate rotational motion of the main ball screw to linear motion of the main ball nut. The drive shaft stage may include a drive shaft end and a drive shaft tube attached to the drive shaft end, the drive shaft end coupled to the main ball nut. The drive ball may push against the drive shaft tube to translate the rotational motion of the main ball screw to rotational motion of the drive shaft tube.