Inflatable Pocket Barrier for Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control barriers pose risks of material and bodily damage due to mechanical complexity, energy consumption, and maintenance challenges, particularly in low-height locations and underground settings, where they may not be visible in the dark and require complex mechanisms and costly repairs.
Innovation Solution
A rollable pocket access control device with a pressurized gas source, spool valve, and control unit that inflates and unrolls a barrier element to control access, featuring a storage box with a closing element that acts as a stiffener and returns to a rolled-up state, allowing easy maintenance and installation in low-height locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical barriers are used for access control, then access control function is achieved, but risks of material and bodily damage increase due to complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical barrier mechanisms with an inflatable pocket system actuated by a simple spool valve and pressurized gas source. The inflatable pocket expands to block access without complex joints, motors, or heavy mechanisms, eliminating the harmful effects associated with mechanical barrier failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a pressurized gas source connected to the inflatable pocket through a spool valve to achieve barrier deployment and retraction. This pneumatic system replaces mechanical actuators, reducing complexity and damage risks while maintaining reliable access control functionality.
2Reliability
If mechanical barriers are installed in low-height locations, then access control is achieved, but installation space requirements are not met due to mechanism complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores the inflatable pocket in a compact rolled-up state within a storage box when not in use. The pocket can be quickly deployed by inflation and easily stowed again, allowing installation in locations with limited height clearance where traditional mechanical barriers cannot fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible inflatable pocket made of thin film material that can be compressed into a compact form for storage and expanded when needed. This flexibility allows the barrier to be stored in a minimal height footprint while still providing effective access control when deployed.
3Reliability
If traditional barriers are used, then access control is achieved, but maintenance cost and complexity increase due to specialized intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical components with a simple inflatable pocket system controlled by a basic spool valve and pressurized gas source. This simplification makes the system easier to maintain and repair without requiring specialized mechanical expertise or expensive intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, easily replaceable components such as the inflatable pocket and spool valve that can be quickly replaced if damaged, rather than requiring complex repairs. This approach reduces maintenance costs and improves ease of repair by using inexpensive, readily replaceable parts.
4Reliability
If mechanical barriers operate continuously, then access control is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a spool valve to control the pressurized gas source, inflating the pocket only when access control is needed and deflating it when not required. This periodic operation replaces continuous mechanical barrier operation, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining access control reliability when needed.
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 reduces the risk of damage and improves maintenance accessibility while maintaining reliability, allowing for efficient energy use and visibility, even in dark environments, by using a compact, inflatable barrier that can be easily deployed and stowed.
Implementation Method 1
inflation means comprising a source of pressurized gas, a connecting link of the source of gas under pressure to the pocket
Implementation Method 2
the or at least one of the closing elements of the storage box is, in the open position of the storage box and in the unrolled state of the pocket, in bearing contact with the outer surface of said pocket to form a stiffening or reinforcing element of said pocket
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for controlling access to a predetermined area, comprising a barrier element (2), a box (4) for storing said barrier element (2) and means for detecting and/or signalling the presence of a wheeled vehicle or a person. The barrier element (2) is provided in the form of a bag (3) which can be wound up to form a spiral winding, said bag (3) being provided with means (8) for returning to the wound state, and the device (1) comprises means for inflating the bag (3) controlled to allow, when a wheeled vehicle or a person is detected and/or signalled, the device (1) to pass from an operative configuration, in which the bag (3) is inflated, unwound, and arranged at least partially protruding from the storage box (4), to an inoperative configuration in which the bag (3) is deflated, unwound in a spiral and at least partially housed inside the storage box (4).