Spring Keeper Assembly for Preloaded Barrier Ram Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Anti-terrorist barrier rams face challenges with the weight of heavy barriers requiring large hydraulic actuators, which occupy space and make shallow mounting difficult, and high energy springs that can fail, causing damage.
Innovation Solution
A spring keeper system comprising an outer barrel, an inner barrel, and centerers with shims for adjusting preload, and wear-resistant materials to prevent damage and ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If large hydraulic actuators are used to provide sufficient torque for heavy barriers, then the torque requirement is met, but the actuator size increases and shallow mounting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by introducing high energy springs that store potential energy to counterbalance the weight of the heavy barrier. The springs provide assisting force during barrier movement, reducing the torque demand on hydraulic actuators. This allows the use of smaller actuators while maintaining sufficient torque capability for lifting and lowering the barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action through pre-loaded springs that are compressed or tensioned in advance to store energy. This pre-stored energy is released during barrier operation to assist the actuator, effectively reducing the peak torque requirements and enabling smaller actuator dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If high energy springs are used to assist actuators in opening and closing the barrier, then actuator size is reduced, but the risk of spring failure causing severe damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing spring keepers with controlled failure modes that prevent catastrophic spring release. The keeper structure includes features such as controlled fracture points or energy dissipation mechanisms that safely contain or redirect spring energy in the event of spring failure, protecting surrounding components and personnel from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful spring failure energy into a controlled, safe dissipation process. The keeper design transforms the destructive spring force into a controlled mechanical response that protects the system, effectively turning the harmful failure mode into a safety feature.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If wear resistant material layers are added to the inner barrel, then wear resistance and service life are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a base barrel material (such as steel or aluminum) with a wear-resistant coating layer (such as PTFE, Delrin, or other polymer coatings). This composite structure provides both the structural strength of the metal barrel and the wear resistance and low friction properties of the polymer coating, extending service life while using established coating technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying wear-resistant material specifically to the inner surface of the barrel where contact with the spring or moving components occurs. This localized treatment provides enhanced wear resistance exactly where needed, while the rest of the barrel maintains its base material properties, optimizing both performance and manufacturing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A spring keeper for maintaining a high energy spring includes an outer barrel, an inner barrel slideable within the outer barrel, a first centerer fitted inside the inner barrel, the first centerer including a first base and a first projection projecting axially from the first base for being received within a first end portion of a spring, and a second centerer fitted inside the outer barrel, the second centerer including a second base and a second projection projecting axially from the second base for being received within a second end portion of the spring.