Highway Device Locking Bar with Thrust Bias
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road devices lack effective security measures to prevent unauthorized access, often being complex or expensive.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating thrust means, such as an elastically deformable element or spring, to lock the locking bar in a secure configuration, requiring a significant unlocking force between 500 N and 5000 N to transition from a locking to a release position, combined with a rotatable locking bar and actuation mechanism, to enhance security without increasing complexity or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional road devices without additional locking mechanisms are used, then the device complexity and cost remain low, but the security against unauthorized access is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bar is integrated within the actuating means structure, with the thrust means nested between the locking bar and the base body. This nested arrangement allows multiple functions (locking, actuating, biasing) to be combined in a compact configuration, enhancing security without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bar is designed to be movable between locked and unlocked positions rather than fixed, allowing dynamic security control. The thrust means provides continuous biasing force to maintain the locked position, while the actuating means can overcome this bias to dynamically transition the locking bar to the unlocked position when authorized access is required
2Reliability
If a movable locking bar without thrust means is used, then the device complexity remains low, but the locking reliability and resistance to unauthorized opening is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust means acts as a mechanical counterforce mechanism, providing continuous biasing force that opposes any unauthorized opening forces. This elastic counterforce automatically maintains the locking bar in its locked position, enhancing locking reliability without requiring complex active control systems or multiple locking components
3Ease of operation
If the locking bar can be easily actuated, then the ease of operation is high, but the security against forced or unauthorized opening is low
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating means is designed to require a specific minimum force (excessive action) to overcome the thrust means biasing force and move the locking bar from locked to unlocked position. This partial action threshold ensures that normal authorized operation is feasible while preventing forced or accidental opening, as the required force exceeds what unauthorized persons can typically apply
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 provides enhanced security by requiring a substantial force to unlock the locking bar, making it difficult for unauthorized access while maintaining simplicity and economic viability.
Implementation Method 1
the thrust means comprise an elastically deformable element, in particular a rubber washer or a spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
This road maintenance device component comprises a base body (14), a locking bar (16) movable between a locked position and a release position of the base body, and actuating means (18) adapted for moving the locking bar (16). The component includes locking means (30) for the locking bar in a locked configuration and thrusting means (40) that exert pressure on the bar (16) in the locked configuration and allow, under the action of a release force, the bar to be moved into a release configuration. The release force that must be applied to move the locking bar (16) into its release configuration and against the thrust force of the thrusting means (40) is between 500 N and 5000 N.