Bollard Coupling Storage Bracket and Cap Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bollards lack secure and reconfigurable boundary definitions for storing couplings, which are typically permanently affixed or use insecure mechanisms like padlocks.
Innovation Solution
The bollards feature a body with slots and brackets that allow the bollard coupling to extend inwardly for storage and outwardly for use, with a cap that securely retains the bollard engaging member, enabling reversible positioning and secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bollard couplings are permanently affixed to bollards through embedding, bolting, or welding, then the coupling provides stable and secure boundary definition, but the device lacks reconfigurability and adaptability for different usage scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The bollard coupling system transitions from static permanent attachment to dynamic reconfigurable attachment. The coupling can be reversibly mounted between bollards, allowing it to be installed and removed as needed. This dynamic capability enables the boundary definition to be adjusted based on different security requirements and usage scenarios, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and reconfigurability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is divided into separate modular components: the bollard coupling itself, the mounting brackets, and the attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be independently configured, installed, and removed, providing both secure attachment during use and ease of reconfiguration when needed.
2Reliability
If conventional bollard couplings use padlocks and chains for attachment, then the device provides some level of security, but the coupling mechanism becomes complex and requires additional components that may fail or be bypassed
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, defines the mounting position, and incorporates the attachment mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate chains, pads, and locking mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory, with the mounting bracket and coupling components working together as an integrated unit. The design eliminates the need for external padlocks or complex locking mechanisms, relying instead on the inherent mechanical integration of the components to provide secure attachment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If bollard couplings are permanently embedded in concrete during bollard formation, then the coupling provides stable attachment, but the device lacks flexibility for relocation or reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static permanent embedding to dynamic reversible mounting. The coupling can be securely attached to bollards without permanent modification, allowing for easy relocation and reconfiguration while maintaining stable attachment during each usage period.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system separates the attachment function from the bollard structure itself. The mounting bracket serves as an intermediate component that can be attached to and removed from the bollard, providing stable attachment during use while enabling flexibility for relocation when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
This application concerns traffic control devices, such as bollards, configured for storage of a bollard coupling adapted to extend between a bollard and an adjacent structure. Bollards are disclosed that comprise a body defining an interior body volume and a first aperture. A bracket fixedly attached to the body defines a second aperture. The bracket is configured to reversibly receive a bollard engaging member fixedly attached to an end portion of a bollard coupling. In a first position, at least a portion of the bollard engaging member extends through the first aperture, and in a second position, the portion of the bollard engaging member extends through the second aperture. A cap being releasably secured to the body provides access to the interior body volume and at least partially retains the bollard engaging member. Associated bollard arrangements and methods are also disclosed.