Pivotable Barrier Plate for Marine Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current security measures for marine vessels and installations are costly, ineffective, and easily circumvented by potential boarders, as they are often visible from a distance and impractical for immediate deployment, failing to adequately prevent unauthorized boarding.

Innovation Solution

A security arrangement featuring a pivotable barrier plate operated by a fluid actuator, which can quickly move between extended and retracted positions to disrupt climbing tools and prevent unauthorized access, while being compact and difficult to detect when not in use, and can be easily deployed and relocated as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional security means (water cannons, sound cannons, electrical fences) are used, then security coverage is provided, but they are costly and easily circumvented by boarders

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity effectivenessVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier plate is designed to be movable between retracted and extended positions, allowing it to dynamically respond to threats. When threatened, the barrier plate extends to physically block boarders; when safe, it retracts to minimize visibility and space occupation. This dynamic capability enhances security effectiveness while maintaining cost-effectiveness compared to permanent fixed structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The security system focuses protection on specific perimeter segments rather than providing uniform coverage everywhere. The barrier plate is deployed at critical locations where boarding attempts are most likely, concentrating security resources where they are most needed while reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If visible security means are deployed, then boarders can be deterred, but they can also be seen from a distance and circumvented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeterrence capabilityVSAvoiddetectability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier plate transitions from a hidden state to a visible protective state only when needed. During normal operation, it remains retracted and inconspicuous. Upon detecting a threat, it rapidly extends to become a visible physical barrier, providing deterrence at the critical moment while minimizing detectability during peaceful periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for potential threats by having the barrier plate ready for rapid deployment. Sensors and control systems are pre-positioned to detect approaching boarders and trigger the barrier plate's extension before the boarders can reach the perimeter, preventing the threat rather than merely responding to it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If permanent security structures are installed, then continuous protection is provided, but they take up lots of space and are impractical when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous protectionVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier plate provides continuous protection capability while occupying minimal space during normal operation. By extending only when threats are detected, the system maintains readiness for protection without the permanent space occupation of fixed structures. The movable design allows the same component to serve both as a compact storage element and an extended protective barrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The perimeter protection is divided into discrete segments, each equipped with its own barrier plate. This segmentation allows individual segments to be deployed independently based on local threats, reducing the need for continuous permanent structures along the entire perimeter and minimizing overall space occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If security means are easily deployed, then rapid response to threats is achieved, but they may not provide adequate resistance to boarders

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidresistance to boarding
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Fluid actuators (pneumatic or hydraulic) are used to drive the barrier plate's movement, enabling rapid extension and retraction responses to threats. These fluid power systems provide high-speed actuation capability while generating sufficient force to deploy the barrier plate quickly. The same fluid pressure that enables fast movement also provides the mechanical strength needed to resist boarders once deployed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 security arrangement effectively stalls or prevents unauthorized boarding by disrupting climbing tools and reducing the risk of injury to personnel, while being compliant with safety regulations and easily removable, providing enhanced protection without the drawbacks of existing solutions.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid actuator configured to operatively move the first barrier plate between the extended position and the retracted position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a first barrier plate arranged to pivot relative the mounting member about a first pivot axle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical leverage: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3656654B1Security arrangement
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 PHENOX BUSINESS SUPPORT AB
  • EP3656654B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3656654B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3656654B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A security arrangement (1) for arrangement to a marine entity (300) is provided. The security arrangement (1) comprises a mounting member (10) configured to be mounted to a perimeter segment of a marine entity; a first barrier plate (20) arranged to pivot relative the mounting member (10) about a first pivot axle (P1) between an extended position in which position a front edge (21) is displaced transversally from the perimeter segment, and a retracted position in which position the front edge (21) of the first barrier plate (20) is positioned closer to the perimeter segment, wherein the security arrangement (1) further comprises a fluid actuator (30) configured to operatively move the first barrier plate (20) between the extended position and the retracted position. A system (100), a method (200), a marine entity (300) is also provided.