Removable Coating for Bollard Stem Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bollard devices are prone to damage from environmental factors and vandalism, leading to functional and aesthetic issues, particularly with the movable cylindrical stem, which requires costly and labor-intensive replacement when damaged.

Innovation Solution

A bollard device featuring a removable tubular plastic coating with a metallic sheet overprint for the movable part, allowing for easy replacement and customization, which protects against scratches and corrosion, and can be replaced manually without lifting machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a metallic cylindrical stem is used for the movable part, then strength and durability are improved, but weight increases making replacement difficult without lifting machines

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestrengthVSAvoidease of replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bollard is divided into two main segments: a fixed base and a movable stem. The movable stem is further segmented into a permanent metallic core and a replaceable external coating. This segmentation allows the heavy metallic core to remain fixed while only the lighter coating needs replacement, eliminating the need for lifting machines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The external coating is extracted as a separate, removable component from the metallic stem. The coating can be detached and replaced independently without moving the heavy metallic core, solving the replacement difficulty while maintaining the strength benefits of the metallic structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of repair

If a removable coating is added to the stem, then ease of replacement is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of replacementVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coating is applied locally to the external surface of the metallic stem, providing protection and aesthetic customization only where needed. The coupling mechanism is localized at the ends of the coating, allowing simple attachment and detachment without complicating the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The coating is nested over the metallic stem, with the stem serving as the inner core and the coating as the outer layer. This nested structure allows the coating to be easily slipped on and off the stem without complex assembly or disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the entire movable part is replaced when damaged, then reliability is maintained, but loss of time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The movable stem is segmented into a permanent metallic core and a replaceable external coating. When the coating becomes damaged, scratched, or corroded, only the coating needs replacement rather than the entire stem, significantly reducing maintenance time and cost while maintaining the reliability of the metallic core structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The external coating is designed as a disposable or replaceable component that can be discarded when damaged and replaced with a new coating. The valuable metallic core is recovered and retained, avoiding the waste and cost of replacing the entire stem assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP3754111B1Bollard device
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 FAAC
  • EP3754111B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3754111B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Bollard device comprising a fixed part or frame (1), inserted in a horizontal plane to which a base plate (11) with a hole (12) is added, from which a movable part (21) can slidably exit, that can take a retracted position, wherein the upper end is flush with said base plate and a projecting or extended position wherein the movable part extends beyond the plate (11) to create an obstacle. Said frame comprising a plurality of metallic supports determining the realization of an underground housing for the movable part and guides (13) by which it slides vertically, actuating means (14), housed either in the fixed part or in the movable part of the bollard device thus permitting the vertical movement of the movable part. The movable part comprises a stem (21) and a tubular coating (22) put on said stem and constrained to the same by removable coupling means permitting to the coating to be removed.