Rotatable Inner Bollard Resists Cutting Tampering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bollard systems lack a mechanism to prevent or deter disabling by cutting before an attempted impact breach, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access in secured areas.
Innovation Solution
A double-walled bollard system with an outer tubular member and an inner rotatable member connected by a swivel assembly, which includes a filler material and reinforcement bars, designed to resist deformation and tampering by allowing the inner member to rotate upon contact, thereby delaying or preventing cutting attempts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single-walled bollard structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the resistance to cutting and tampering is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bollard is divided into an outer member and an inner member as separate structural segments. The outer member provides the primary barrier function while the inner member provides anti-cutting protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between structural complexity and resistance to tampering.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner member is nested within the outer member, creating a concentric dual-wall structure. The inner member is positioned coaxially inside the outer member, with both members extending above and below the grade level. This nesting arrangement provides enhanced security without significantly increasing the overall footprint or visual complexity of the bollard.
2Strength
If the inner member is fixed relative to the outer member, then the structural integrity is simple, but the ability to deter cutting attempts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the inner member and outer member transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic rotatable connection. The inner member can rotate within the outer member, creating movement that interferes with cutting attempts. This dynamic element adds deterrence value while maintaining relatively simple structural integrity through the rotatable connection mechanism.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the bollard uses a solid non-rotatable structure, then the manufacturing is simple, but the ability to delay cutting attempts is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable inner member creates a dynamic barrier that actively responds to cutting attempts. When a cutting tool contacts the inner member, the member can rotate, causing the tool to miss or require multiple attempts to successfully disable the bollard. This extends the time required to disable the barrier while the rotatable mechanism remains relatively simple to manufacture using standard fabrication processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A bollard, which is positioned in a structure having a grade level, includes an outer member having a first section extending above the grade level; an inner member having a filler material; and a connector operationally connecting the inner member and the outer member, wherein the inner member straddles the grade level and is rotatable relative to the outer member.