Pre-configured Post for Movable Barriers with Internal Power Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing installations of movable barriers, such as pivoting and sliding barriers, face issues with exposed wiring, misalignment of components, and time-consuming installation procedures due to the need for routing electrical conductors through posts, leading to aesthetic and reliability concerns.
Innovation Solution
A pre-configured post with axial cavities and integrated pathways for mains and low-voltage power, along with pivot points and rollers, facilitates efficient and aesthetically pleasing installation of automatically-movable barriers by housing electrical components and providing secure, concealed wiring, reducing installation time and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical conductors are routed through posts to power barrier operators, then power can be delivered to the barrier operator, but the wiring becomes exposed to damage from elements and activity, and the installation lacks aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductors are nested within the post structure itself. The post is designed with internal pathways and cavities that house the wiring, effectively placing the conductors inside the post rather than exposing them externally. This nesting approach protects the wiring from environmental elements and physical damage while maintaining a clean aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The post acts as an intermediary structure between the ground and the barrier operator mounting surface. It provides internal conduits and pathways that serve as protected channels for electrical conductors, mediating the power delivery while shielding the wiring from direct exposure to harmful external factors.
2Ease of operation
If the post is used as a support surface for movable barrier interface elements, then the barrier can pivot or slide, but misplacement and misalignment of these elements can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The post is pre-configured during manufacturing with precisely positioned interface elements, mounting surfaces, and alignment features. Pivot points, roller interfaces, and other barrier interaction elements are factory-installed at exact locations, eliminating the need for field alignment and ensuring precise positioning before the post is even installed at the site.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates adjustable parameters and modular components that allow for precise positioning of interface elements. The post can accommodate different barrier types and configurations while maintaining accurate alignment through designed adjustment mechanisms and standardized mounting interfaces.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional post-oriented installation procedures are used, then the barrier can be installed, but the installation process becomes unduly time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The post is pre-assembled and pre-configured at the manufacturing facility with all necessary electrical pathways, structural components, and interface elements already in place. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming field assembly steps, allowing for rapid installation by simply mounting the complete post assembly at the installation site.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions and components are merged into a single integrated post assembly. The structural support, electrical power delivery, barrier interface elements, and alignment features are combined into one pre-assembled unit, reducing the number of separate installation steps and significantly decreasing overall installation time.
Data Source
AI summary
A post (200) for use with an automatically-movable barrier (1203) and a motive actuator (1204) is configured to interact with the barrier to thereby facilitate movement of the barrier with respect to the post. This post can have at least one cavity (201, 801) formed axially therein and a mains-power-bearing pathway (202) disposed within this at least one cavity to convey mains electrical power to movable barrier control circuitry (1202) as well as the motive actuator. Such a post can further comprise one or more integral pivot points (1001) that are configured to pivotally engage the automatically-movable barrier such that the automatically-movable barrier can selectively pivot about the integral pivot point. By another approach, such a post can further comprise one or more rollers (1101) that are configured to engage the automatically-movable barrier such that the latter can selectively move in a lateral direction through engagement with the roller(s).