Motor-Driven Foldable Barrier Boom Drive Unit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety barrier systems require manual operation to open and close, disrupting workflow and inefficiencies in industrial environments.
Innovation Solution
A compact and sturdy drive unit for a foldable safety barrier boom, comprising a drive motor, threaded spindle, spindle nut, slide, and coupling joint, allowing for fully automated operation and efficient opening and closing of the barrier boom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation is used to open and close the barrier system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is decreased due to workflow disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with an automated motor-driven system. The drive motor converts electrical energy to mechanical motion, automatically actuating the barrier boom through the threaded spindle and spindle nut mechanism, eliminating the need for manual lifting or rotation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive unit is designed to automatically control the barrier boom operation without requiring manual intervention. The motor-driven system self-regulates the opening and closing movements through the threaded spindle mechanism, making the barrier system self-operating and eliminating workflow disruptions caused by manual operation.
2Extent of automation
If a motor-driven system is implemented, then the productivity is improved through automated operation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit components are nested within each other to minimize space and structural complexity. The threaded spindle is housed within the motor assembly, the spindle nut moves along the compact threaded spindle, and the slide is integrated with the spindle nut. This nested arrangement allows the automated drive system to be disposed compactly within the barrier boom structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive motor serves multiple functions: it provides the driving force for barrier boom movement, acts as a self-locking mechanism through its brake system to hold the barrier in position, and can be manually released for emergency operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining automated operation.
3Reliability
If a self-locking drive mechanism is used, then the reliability is improved by preventing unintended movement, but the ease of operation is reduced due to manual release requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The drive motor with integrated brake serves as a self-locking mechanism that automatically holds the barrier boom in its positioned state without requiring additional locking devices. The brake system engages automatically when the motor is not energized, preventing unintended movement and maintaining barrier position stability through the motor's own braking capability.
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 automated drive unit enhances workflow efficiency by enabling motor-driven operation of safety barriers, reducing manual labor and minimizing disruptions, while maintaining the barriers' ability to withstand mechanical loads.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded spindle which is coupled with the drive motor such that the rotational movement of the output of the drive motor is transmitted to the threaded spindle, and which is coupled with a spindle nut, such that it linearly moves along the threaded spindle
Implementation Method 2
a drive motor, a threaded spindle which is coupled with the drive motor such that the rotational movement of the output of the drive motor is transmitted to the threaded spindle
Data Source
AI summary
A drive unit (10) for a foldable safety barrier boom (100) having a drive motor (12), in particular a drive motor (12) with a brake; a threaded spindle (16) which is coupled with the drive motor (12) such that the rotational movement of the output of the drive motor (12) is transmitted to the threaded spindle (16), and which is coupled with a spindle nut (18), such that it linearly moves along a slide guide (21) arranged in parallel to the threaded spindle (16) upon rotation of the threaded spindle (16); a slide (20) which is fixedly coupled with the spindle nut (18); and a coupling joint (27), in particular in the form of a coupling rod (27), which is jointly provided at the slide (20) for jointly coupling the slide (20) to a barrier arm (110) of the safety barrier boom (100).