Flush-Mounted Vehicle Control Barrier With Shallow Foundation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle control barriers are susceptible to damage from vehicle contact, require deep foundations, and are aesthetically unappealing, making them difficult to install and maintain, especially in metropolitan areas with underground structures.
Innovation Solution
A flush-mounted vehicle control barrier system with a sub-frame that contains all actuation and control components below ground level, featuring a wedge plate that rotates upwards from the ground for deployment, allowing authorized vehicles to pass while preventing unauthorized access, and utilizing a shallow foundation for reduced installation challenges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vehicle barriers with buttresses are used, then vehicle access control is achieved, but the barriers are susceptible to damage from vehicle contact and require deep foundations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the actuator and control components from the above-ground buttress structure and relocates them into the underground compartment. This allows the above-ground barrier to be a simple, robust structure without vulnerable mechanical components, while the deep foundation provides both structural support and protection for the sensitive actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves the complex actuation and control systems from the vertical dimension (above-ground buttress) to the horizontal dimension (underground compartment). This dimensional relocation protects sensitive components from vehicle impact while maintaining their functional integrity, and allows the above-ground structure to be optimized purely for barrier functionality.
2Ease of operation
If conventional vehicle barriers with above-ground components are used, then vehicle access control is achieved, but the barriers are aesthetically unappealing and have limited lane widths
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting all control components into the underground compartment, the above-ground structure becomes a clean, minimalist barrier with no visible mechanical parts. This eliminates aesthetic drawbacks while allowing flexible positioning and wider lane configurations since the control systems are hidden below ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the barrier system into above-ground structural elements and below-ground functional elements. This separation allows the above-ground portion to be optimized for aesthetics and lane width flexibility, while the underground portion houses all necessary control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If wedge plates are mounted on top of the road surface, then vehicle barrier functionality is achieved, but they present obstacles for snowplows and require deep foundations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting the wedge plate on top of the road surface as in conventional barriers, the invention inverts the approach by having the wedge plate rotate upwards from a horizontal position within the underground compartment. This allows the barrier to function effectively while presenting no obstacle to snowplows or other road maintenance equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge plate mechanism is extracted from the above-ground road surface and relocated to the underground compartment. This extraction eliminates the obstacle problem for snowplows while maintaining the barrier's ability to rotate and block vehicle access when needed.
4Ease of repair
If conventional barriers with exposed components are used, then vehicle access control is achieved, but maintenance and installation are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting all actuator and control components into the protected underground compartment, the invention simultaneously improves reliability (components are protected from damage) and maintains ease of repair (components are accessible through the compartment). The above-ground structure becomes a simple enclosure that protects rather than hinders maintenance activities.
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 system effectively prevents unauthorized vehicle access while minimizing above-ground prominence and installation depth, enhancing safety and aesthetics while being easier to install and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator mechanism operates to rotate the wedge plate between the stowed position and a deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein provide for a flush-mounted vehicle control barrier having a shallow foundation. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a vehicle control barrier includes a sub-frame, a wedge plate, and an actuator mechanism that is coupled to the sub-frame and disposed within an interior space of the sub-frame.