Modular Retractable Bollard with Gas Strut and Shock Absorber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retractable bollard systems face challenges such as complexity, high manufacturing costs, durability issues, and limited multi-purpose functionality, which hinder their effectiveness and versatility in various applications.

Innovation Solution

A retractable bollard system incorporating a gas pressurized strut for easy manual operation, a shock absorber for impact protection, and a modular design with multiple configurations, allowing for easy installation and replacement without tools, and integration with add-on barriers or handrails for enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing retractable bollard systems are used, then traffic blocking function is provided, but complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic blocking functionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bollard system is divided into separate modular components: a retractable post assembly, a base assembly, and an optional shock absorber assembly. Each component can be manufactured independently and assembled on-site, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the traffic blocking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shock absorber is extracted as a separate optional component rather than being integrated into the main bollard structure. This allows the basic retractable bollard to remain simple while offering enhanced impact protection as an add-on feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If existing retractable bollard systems are used, then traffic control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic control capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the bollard into standardizable modules (post, base, shock absorber), each component can be manufactured using conventional processes and assembled field-installed, significantly reducing manufacturing and installation costs while maintaining traffic control reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design allows individual components to be replaced independently if damaged, rather than replacing the entire bollard system. This reduces long-term manufacturing costs through selective replacement of only the necessary parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If existing retractable bollard systems are used, then vehicular traffic blocking is provided, but durability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicular traffic blockingVSAvoidsystem durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

An optional shock absorber assembly is provided that can be installed in advance within the base to cushion impact forces from vehicular collisions, thereby protecting the retractable post and extending the overall system durability while maintaining the traffic blocking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If existing retractable bollard systems are used, then basic blocking function is achieved, but versatility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblocking functionVSAvoidmulti-purpose functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The modular bollard system can be configured with different components for different applications: standard retractable posts for pedestrian areas, posts with integrated shock absorbers for vehicular areas, and various post configurations (telescoping, sliding) to suit different traffic control needs, all using the same base assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides efficient and durable traffic management with reduced maintenance costs, improved impact resistance, and versatility across different configurations and applications, ensuring effective vehicular and pedestrian traffic control.

Implementation Method 1

A retractable bollard system incorporates a gas pressurized strut for easy manual operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 2

a shock absorber for impact protection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS20240200293A1Shock Absorbing Retractable Bollard Systems

Publication Date: 2024.06.20 RITE HITE HLDG CORP

AI summary

A barrier system includes a handrail, and a connector to couple the handrail to a post extension that extends upward from a floor. The handrail has and end with a width measured in a direction transverse to an elongate length of the handrail. The connector includes a socket to hold the end of the handrail. The socket is defined by an elongate channel that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the post extension when the connector is attached to the post extension. The channel has a length that is greater than the width of the end of the handrail.