Chain Barrier Safety Device with Movable Detection Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain barriers face challenges in safely preventing unauthorized access due to the risk of foreign objects, particularly children, being trapped and subjected to moving chains, with existing safety devices being either insensitive to low forces or prone to false signals.
Innovation Solution
A safety device is integrated into the chain barrier that uses a frame-shaped safety mechanism with a preload force and movable elements to detect foreign bodies, actuating an electrical contact to stop or invert the chain's movement upon slight displacement, ensuring precise and reliable operation independent of the force applied to the chain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If photocells are used to detect foreign objects, then safety monitoring is provided, but the device may give false signals or fail to detect objects that bypass the detection area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection systems (photocells) with a mechanical detection system. A movable element with a contact is positioned to be engaged by foreign objects, directly converting the presence of an object into a mechanical signal that triggers the safety mechanism. This mechanical substitution eliminates the limitations of optical systems regarding false signals and bypass detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable element as an intermediary between the foreign object and the control system. This intermediary element is positioned to be engaged by foreign objects and translates their presence into contact activation, serving as a reliable mediator that directly indicates the presence of obstacles in the chain's path.
2Reliability
If a safety device monitors pulling force during chain lifting, then potential overloads are identified, but the device has low sensitivity due to considerable pull forces on the chain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces force-based monitoring with a mechanical engagement detection system. Instead of measuring pull forces on the chain, the system detects whether foreign objects are engaged with the movable element, providing high sensitivity to the presence of obstacles regardless of the chain's pull forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the safety detection function from the chain's force system and creates a separate detection mechanism. The movable element with contact is positioned independently to detect foreign objects, separating the safety function from the chain's mechanical operation and eliminating interference from considerable pull forces.
3Productivity
If the chain actuating assembly moves quickly to prevent unauthorized access, then productivity is improved, but the risk of trapping foreign objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by positioning the movable element with contact in advance to detect foreign objects before the chain begins its rapid movement. The safety mechanism is pre-configured to detect obstacles and trigger before the chain actuating assembly operates, preventing trapping rather than responding after the fact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the contact activated by foreign objects to provide real-time information to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect the presence of foreign objects and respond appropriately, creating a closed-loop safety system that operates independently of the chain's speed.
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 solution effectively identifies and prevents foreign bodies from being trapped, ensuring safe operation by interrupting the chain's movement and providing alerts for potential dangers, enhancing safety and reliability without relying on force-sensitive mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
A safety device is integrated into the chain barrier that uses a frame-shaped safety mechanism with a preload force and movable elements to detect foreign bodies
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of the invention is a system comprising a chain barrier and a safety device for the aforesaid chain barrier, where the chain barrier comprises a pair of pillars, between which a chain can be suspended and an actuating assembly, configured to actuate the chain from a first position, wherein it blocks the passage through the pair of pillars, to a second position, wherein it leaves the passage free and vice versa, and where the safety device is configured to intervene in the event of danger, characterized in that said safety device comprises an element configured to make slight movements upon a contact with a foreign body, where said slight movements are calibrated to actuate an electrical contact, which acts on the operation of the chain actuating assembly.