Pivot Swivel Cable Barrier Manual Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle barrier systems are heavy, require significant electric power, and need substantial infrastructure for installation, making them difficult to manually operate and relocate, especially for longer span distances, and are not easily adaptable to different support structures.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, high-strength cable barrier system attached to a longitudinal support device that can pivot, move vertically, or swivel horizontally, allowing manual operation by one person without subsurface foundations, and can be easily relocated and adapted to various end support structures, including energy-absorbing compression springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a solid steel bar barrier is used to stop vehicles, then the barrier can withstand vehicle impact forces, but the massive weight significantly limits the ability to span longer distances and manually raise and lower the barrier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid solid steel bar with a flexible cable barrier system. The cable, when tensioned, provides sufficient strength to stop vehicles while being lightweight enough to be manually operated. The flexibility of the cable allows it to span longer distances without the excessive weight of a solid bar structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier system uses a composite construction combining a cable element with a longitudinal support device and end support structures. This composite approach allows the cable to provide impact resistance while the support structures provide anchoring and guidance, achieving vehicle stopping capability with reduced weight compared to a solid steel bar.
2Strength
If massive fixed concrete foundations are used to anchor end support structures, then the system can withstand vehicle impact forces, but the system cannot be readily relocated without constructing new foundation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static concrete foundations to a dynamic anchoring system using end support structures that can be easily positioned and secured at different locations. The support structures can be rapidly deployed and removed without requiring permanent foundation construction, enabling relocation while maintaining impact resistance through proper anchoring techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier system is divided into modular components including the cable barrier, longitudinal support device, and separate end support structures. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and secured, enabling the system to be relocated by simply moving the modular components to new locations without requiring new foundation systems.
3Extent of automation
If electric power, motors, and cylinders are used to raise and lower the net, then the barrier can be operated automatically, but the system requires substantial electric power supply and complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service operation system where the barrier can be manually raised and lowered by operators without requiring electric power or complex mechanical actuators. The simple manual operation mechanism reduces device complexity while maintaining the capability for automatic operation through optional electric motor and cylinder components that can be added when needed.
4Strength
If a continuous solid steel bar is used across the travel path, then the barrier can stop vehicles effectively, but the bar is rigidly fixed and cannot pivot or swivel to allow vehicle passage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid fixed steel bar with a dynamic cable barrier system that can pivot and swivel. The cable, supported by the longitudinal support device and end support structures, can be manually moved to change its position and orientation, allowing the barrier to adapt to different vehicle passage requirements while maintaining vehicle stopping capability when in place.
Data Source
AI summary
A light weight, high strength cable supported by a longitudinal device that is capable of stopping a 15,000 lb vehicle at speeds exceeding 30 mph and provides for manual operation by one (1) person, whereas the barrier may pivot, move vertically, or swivel horizontally to control vehicle passage. Typically, the cable is embedded within a longitudinal support device and remains concealed. During normal operations where the vehicle barrier is moved, there is no tension on the cable and it remains unfastened. If a vehicle impact occurs, the cable immediately engages and fastens to the end support structures to resist vehicle impact forces. The light weight cable and longitudinal support device provides span distances exceeding 24 feet across a vehicle travel path, while requiring only one (1) person to manually move the barrier. The light weight cable and longitudinal support device also minimizes the counterweight size. The barrier may be moved by an operator from either side of the vehicle travel path. Both fixed and unfixed end support structures may be utilized. Non-rotating energy absorbing compression springs may be utilized to enhance the vehicle stopping capability.