Modular Barrier System with Rotating Spikes and Terrain Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing barrier systems for vehicle control are inflexible in length, prone to mechanical failures during rolling, lack optimal surface adherence, and insufficient visibility in low-light conditions, especially when adapted for terrain irregularities.

Innovation Solution

A modular barrier system with interconnectable modules featuring rotatable spikes, grooves and protrusions for enhanced adherence, integrated LED lighting, and a wireless activation mechanism, allowing for variable length adjustment and improved terrain adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the barrier is made with integral sections that cannot be independently connected, then the structure is simpler, but the length cannot be modified depending on control needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelength modificationVSAvoidmodule connection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier is divided into multiple independent modules that can be connected in series to form barriers of different lengths. Each module contains a shaft with spikes and can function independently, allowing the overall barrier length to be adjusted by adding or removing modules based on specific control requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the barrier sections are made rigid for structural strength, then the barrier is more durable, but it cannot adapt to terrain irregularities and may slide on the surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterrain adaptationVSAvoidstructural rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier modules are designed with the capability to rotate and adjust their orientation dynamically. This allows the rigid modular structure to adapt to terrain irregularities by adjusting the angle of each module relative to the surface, maintaining both structural strength and terrain adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the barrier system have different properties: the modules themselves are rigid for strength, while the connection points between modules allow rotation and adjustment. This local differentiation enables the overall system to be both strong and adaptable to varying terrain conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the lower face of the module is made smooth for easier manufacturing, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the retention on the mounting surface is not optimal when a vehicle passes over

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelower face fabricationVSAvoidsurface retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lower face of each module is equipped with localized grooves at specific contact points with the ground. These grooves are strategically positioned to provide enhanced friction and retention when vehicles pass over, while the rest of the module structure remains smooth for ease of manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If the barrier is extended to cover larger areas for better vehicle control, then the control effectiveness is improved, but the storage and transport space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle control effectivenessVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier is composed of separate modular sections that can be connected in series to extend the coverage area for effective vehicle control. When not in use, these modular sections can be disconnected and stored in a compact configuration, significantly reducing storage and transport space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier system can be dynamically extended or reduced in length by connecting or disconnecting modules. This allows the barrier to cover larger areas when needed for vehicle control effectiveness, while being compact for storage and transport when full coverage is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3936667B1Barrier system for controlling the passage of vehicles
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 FEDERAL SIGNAL VAMA
  • EP3936667B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3936667B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3936667B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a barrier system for controlling the passage of vehicles. comprising at least one module (1). The module comprises: one tubular body (2); tubular ribs (3) having a trapezoidal configuration with an upper side parallel to a lower side and two legs, wherein the body (2) is inside of the ribs (3); one longitudinal shaft (5) with spikes (7), rotatable between a first stable initial position and a second stable final position; a drive mechanism (9,11) of the rotation of the longitudinal shaft, to place the longitudinal shaft in the first position with the spikes concealed or in the second position in which the spikes protrude out of the module; and a rotary actuator (12) that drives the drive mechanism of the rotation of the longitudinal shaft. Wherein the lower side of the ribs (3) comprises grooves (22) and the two legs of the ribs comprises protrusions (27).