Rotating Bar Turnstile for Compact Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turnstiles are bulky, restrictive for emergency use, and inefficient in allowing passage of bicycles and pushchairs, while flap turnstiles are costly due to photocell requirements and lack reversibility.
Innovation Solution
A compact turnstile design featuring a rotating bar mechanism with a motor, reduction unit, cam, and slider system that allows 360° rotation, enabling easy passage of users and vehicles, reversibility, and emergency deactivation without a photocell, using a brushless servomotor and cycloidal reduction for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tripod turnstile is used to control access, then passage of more than one person is prevented, but the device becomes bulky and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The turnstile is divided into two independent arms (first arm and second arm) that can operate separately. Each arm is controlled by its own motor, allowing them to be positioned independently. This segmentation enables the arms to be retracted into a compact configuration when not in use, reducing the overall space occupation while maintaining the ability to control passage effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The arms are designed to be dynamically positionable between a blocking position (horizontal) and a retracted position (vertical). This dynamic capability allows the turnstile to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, occupying minimal space during idle periods while providing full access control functionality when required.
2Reliability
If a tripod turnstile is used to prevent passage of multiple persons, then access control is improved, but emergency escape capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The arms can be dynamically repositioned from a horizontal blocking configuration to a vertical retracted configuration. In emergency situations, both arms are simultaneously retracted to the vertical position, completely clearing the passage and enabling rapid escape. This dynamic reconfiguration maintains access control during normal operation while providing unobstructed escape routes when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking function is extracted from a fixed structure and implemented through movable arms that can be removed from the passage path. By extracting the barrier function into independently controllable arms, the system enables both controlled access during normal operation and complete passage clearance during emergencies.
3Reliability
If a tripod turnstile is used for access control, then security is improved, but passage of bicycles and pushchairs is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The arms are designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing them to be in the horizontal blocking position during normal access control operations and retracted to the vertical position when bicycles or pushchairs need to pass. This dynamic adaptation enables the turnstile to accommodate different types of passage requirements while maintaining security during controlled access periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The turnstile is designed to perform multiple functions: controlling pedestrian access during normal operation and allowing unobstructed passage for bicycles and pushchairs when arms are retracted. This multi-functionality is achieved through the independent control of each arm, which can be positioned according to the specific passage requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a flap turnstile is used to allow passage of bicycles and pushchairs, then adaptability is improved, but the device becomes costly due to photocell requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The photocell detection system is extracted from the turnstile mechanism. Instead of using optical sensors to detect passage, the system relies on the physical positioning of the arms themselves. The arms are controlled by motors that can be commanded to retract or block based on access control decisions, eliminating the need for complex optical detection infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The turnstile arms themselves serve as both the control mechanism and the detection reference. The horizontal position of the arms inherently indicates the blocking state, and their retraction to vertical position indicates passage permission. This self-indicating design eliminates the need for separate detection systems like photocells.
5Ease of operation
If a flap turnstile is used to allow emergency passage, then escape capability is improved, but reversibility for exit direction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The turnstile is designed with asymmetric arm positioning relative to the passage direction. The arms are configured to block the entry direction when horizontal, while allowing exit direction passage when retracted vertically. This asymmetric design enables the same mechanism to provide both secure entry control and unobstructed emergency exit capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The same arm mechanism serves both entry control and exit facilitation functions. By controlling the arm positions, the system provides secure blocking for entry during normal operation while enabling complete passage clearance for emergency exits, achieving multi-functionality with a single mechanical system.
6Volume of stationary object
If a compact turnstile design is used to reduce space occupation, then volume is reduced, but ability to block passage may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The arms are designed to extend horizontally across the passage when blocking is required, providing effective passage control. When not in use or during emergency situations, the arms retract vertically into a compact configuration that minimizes space occupation. This dynamic extension and retraction capability maintains full blocking capability while achieving a compact overall form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking function is divided into two separate arms that can operate independently. Each arm can be positioned to block its respective side of the passage, and both can be retracted independently. This segmentation allows the arms to be stored in a compact vertical configuration while still providing effective passage blocking when deployed horizontally.
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 solution provides a compact, reversible, and cost-effective turnstile that allows single-person access control, accommodates bicycles and pushchairs, and functions as an emergency exit route, eliminating the drawbacks of traditional turnstiles by optimizing space usage and eliminating the need for photocell detection.
Implementation Method 1
a brushless servomotor and cycloidal reduction for efficient operation
Implementation Method 2
cycloidal reduction for efficient operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 2
AI summary
A turnstile (1) for access control, provided with a supporting pole (4), a motor (6) and a bar (3) for obstructing an access, which is connected to the pole (4), the bar (3) being adapted to rotate about a substantially parallel axis and a substantially perpendicular axis with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pole (4) so as to pass from a horizontal position, in which it is substantially perpendicular to the pole (4), to one or more intermediate positions, in which it is inclined with respect to the pole (4), and to a vertical position, in which it is substantially parallel to the pole (4).