Breakaway Chain Connector for Emergency Walkway Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blocking members in retail environments, such as chains across walkways, require manual disconnection for passage and are not reusable without reattachment, posing a challenge in emergency situations where time is limited.
Innovation Solution
A breakaway chain system with a breakaway connector and flexible gripping members that allows passage without disconnection, featuring a design where chain links can be easily inserted and removed, maintaining over 90% gripping force upon reinsertion, enabling reuse without manual manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a chain is used to block a walkway, then the blocking function is achieved, but the chain cannot be easily passed through in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The chain is divided into multiple segments with individual links that can be independently manipulated. Each link can be detached from the connector, allowing the chain to be segmented into passable portions while maintaining the overall blocking structure when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain connector is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to transition between a locked blocking state and an unlocked passable state. The connector can be quickly released to allow passage and then re-engaged to restore the blocking function, providing adaptive response to different situations.
2Ease of operation
If a chain is disconnected to allow passage, then the walkway is accessible, but the chain cannot be reused without reattachment
Solution Approach 1:
The chain link is designed with self-service characteristics, where the link itself contains the means for both detachment and reattachment. The link can be easily removed from the connector and then self-reinstalled without requiring additional tools or complex procedures, enabling quick reuse after passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain system allows for temporary discarding of the blocking function when passage is needed, with the capability to quickly recover and restore the blocking function. The chain links can be temporarily removed and then recovered and reinstalled, maintaining the reusable nature of the blocking system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional chain blocking member is used, then theft prevention is achieved, but it requires manual disconnection for emergency passage
Solution Approach 1:
The chain links are pre-designed with detachment capabilities built into their structure. The links are prepared in advance to be easily removable from the connector, so that when emergency passage is needed, no complex disconnection procedure is required - the links can be quickly pulled free due to their pre-configured release mechanism.
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
Enables secure blocking of walkways while allowing passage without disconnection and facilitates easy reinstallation of chain links, ensuring the blocking member can be reused effectively, addressing the limitations of existing systems by providing a secure yet accessible solution.
Implementation Method 1
The first flexible gripping member extends from the first wall portion towards the second wall portion. The second flexible gripping member extends from the third wall portion towards the fourth wall portion. The first chain link inserts into the first opening and engages the first flexible gripping member. The second chain link inserts into the first opening and engages the second flexible gripping member.
Data Source
AI summary
A breakaway chain having a breakaway connector and first and second chain portions is provided. The breakaway connector includes a first opening is defined between a first wall portion and a second wall portion spaced away from the first wall portion. A first flexible gripping member extends from the first wall portion towards the second wall portion. A second opening is defined between a third wall portion and a fourth wall portion spaced away from the third wall portion. A second flexible gripping member extends from the third wall portion towards the fourth wall portion. The first chain portion has a first chain link. The first chain link inserts into the first opening and engages the first flexible gripping member. The second chain portion has a second chain link. The second chain link inserts into the first opening and engages the second flexible gripping member.