Sensor-Activated Conduit Access Door for Secure Pass-Through
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conduit access systems lack efficient and automated mechanisms for providing secure and convenient access to conduits for maintenance, inspection, or use, often relying on manual or simple mechanical solutions that are not proximity-sensitive or adaptable.
Innovation Solution
A conduit access system comprising a base plate with a pivot joint, pass-through, and a pivoting door plate coupled to a motor, which is activated by a sensor to automatically open and close the pass-through, allowing for secure and controlled access while being integrated with a vacuum system and chute for efficient object handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a manual or simple mechanical access system is used for conduits, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and productivity are worsened due to lack of automation and proximity-sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit access system automatically detects the presence of objects or persons via sensors and autonomously opens or closes the door plate without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using sensor input to trigger motorized actuation, eliminating the need for operators to manually open/close access points while maintaining security and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional manual mechanical access systems with an automated electromechanical system. Sensors detect proximity or presence and trigger a motor to actuate the door plate, substituting manual mechanical operation with sensor-based detection and motorized actuation. This increases automation while the modular design keeps complexity manageable
2Reliability
If a secured conduit access is provided to prevent unauthorized access, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened due to additional security mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages the security function by detecting when access is needed and autonomously opening the door plate. When no objects or persons are detected, the system automatically closes and secures the access point. This self-managing security mechanism maintains reliable protection while eliminating manual security operations
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor continuously monitors the environment around the conduit access and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the door plate position - opening when objects or persons are detected and closing when they are not. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains security while enabling convenient automatic access
3Ease of operation
If frequent manual access to conduits is provided for maintenance and inspection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to potential security breaches and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when maintenance or inspection is needed through sensor detection of tools, equipment, or personnel approaching the conduit. Upon detection, the system autonomously opens the door plate to allow access. When the maintenance activity is complete and objects/persons move away, the system automatically closes and secures the access point, eliminating the need for manual security management during maintenance
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit access includes a base plate, a sensor, a motor, and a pivoting door plate. The base plate includes a pivot joint, a pass-through, and a stop. The pivot joint is at an edge of the base plate and extends toward a backside of the base plate. The pass-through is in a center of the base plate. The stop is on a rim of the base plate. The stop has a raised thickness on a frontside of the base plate. The sensor is in the pivot joint to detect motion. The motor is coupled to the pivot joint on the backside of the base plate. The motor activates on detection at the sensor. The pivoting door plate is parallel to the base plate. The pivoting door plate is coupled to the motor through the pivot joint to pivot across the frontside of the base plate to cover the pass-through.