Compact Retractable Bollard with Horizontal Counterweight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control devices with retractable bollards have a large footprint, making installation in areas with buried cables or ducts difficult or impossible, and require complex maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A compact access control device design with reduced counterweight and casing size, utilizing a geared motor and deformable links like roller chains, allowing for flexible placement and reduced maintenance costs, and incorporating a counterweight with adjustable mass and a brushless electric motor with a planetary speed reducer for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a traditional access control device with bollard and counterweight is used, then the device can control vehicle access, but the footprint is large making installation difficult in areas with buried cables or ducts
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight is reoriented to move horizontally rather than vertically, allowing it to operate within the same horizontal footprint as the bollard mechanism rather than requiring additional vertical space. This dimensional reconfiguration enables compact installation in constrained underground environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second boxes housing the bollard and counterweight mechanisms are positioned contiguously or separated by only a dissipative structure, merging what were traditionally separate large enclosures into a compact integrated unit that fits within smaller installation footprints.
2Reliability
If a large counterweight and enclosure are used, then the obstacle can be balanced and controlled, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight mass is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing optimization for different obstacle weights and installation conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains reliable obstacle control while reducing the need for oversized components designed for maximum weight scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into modular components (first box with bollard, second box with counterweight, dissipative structure) that can be independently manufactured, installed, and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining control functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the first and second boxes are separated by a dissipative structure, then impact energy transmission is reduced, but the device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than separating the boxes by a large dissipative structure, only a localized dissipative element is placed at the interface between the boxes. This provides impact energy reduction at the critical transmission point while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
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
Facilitates easier installation in areas with buried infrastructure and reduces maintenance complexity while maintaining resistance to major shocks and precise control of the bollard's position.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary speed reducer driven by the motor
Implementation Method 2
a counterweight, mounted to slide along a fourth axis, the mass of the counterweight being adjustable
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to an access control device (20) having a first box structure (21) to be buried, which has a first height (70); an obstacle (25) mounted in a movable manner in the first box structure; a mechanical device for returning the obstacle to a position protruding from the first box structure, which has a counterweight (37) that is movable in a second box structure (23); a geared motor (26) for driving the obstacle in movement; at least one deformable link (39) connected to the obstacle and to the return device for returning the obstacle into the protruding position; the density of the counterweight is at least equal to three; the second box structure has a second height (71) less than the first height (70); and the device has means for reducing the travel of the counterweight, which comprise at least one mobile pulley (75) on which the counterweight is suspended.