Torque Limiter Assembly for Barrier Gate Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Barrier gates are prone to costly damage and downtime due to unexpected forces, which can damage internal gears and linkages of the motor and transmission, and existing solutions either require frequent replacement of the barrier arm or cause damage to vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A barrier gate system incorporating a torque limiter assembly connected between the control arm and the motor transmission, which allows the barrier arm to move vertically under external forces while preventing rotation of the spindle, thus protecting the internal components, and includes a rotary encoder for precise control and repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the barrier arm is designed to be breakaway to protect internal components, then the motor and transmission are protected from damage, but the barrier arm requires frequent replacement and the gate ceases to function during replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of internal componentsVSAvoidgate functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The torque limiter assembly acts as an intermediary component between the barrier arm and the motor transmission. It allows the barrier arm to yield to external forces while preventing direct transmission of damaging torque to the internal gears and linkages, thus protecting components without requiring barrier arm replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the internal gears and mechanisms are reinforced with high strength materials to withstand great pressure, then the barrier arm can resist unwanted forces, but the device becomes costly and not marketable for heavy duty applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to external forcesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The torque limiter assembly serves as a cost-effective intermediary device that provides torque protection without requiring expensive high-strength material reinforcement of the entire barrier arm and internal mechanisms. It allows standard materials to be used while still protecting against damaging forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The torque limiter assembly acts as a sacrificial protective component that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than reinforcing the entire barrier arm with expensive high-strength materials. This provides cost-effective protection for the valuable motor and transmission components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the barrier gate uses a flexible connector that continually applies pressure to the vehicle, then the barrier arm returns to the starting point, but the resilient pressure can cause damage to the vehicle in the form of dents and abrasions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarrier arm return to starting pointVSAvoidvehicle damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The torque limiter assembly acts as an intermediary that allows the barrier arm to move vertically under external forces while preventing excessive horizontal forces from being transmitted to the vehicle. This protects the vehicle from damage while still allowing the barrier arm to return to its starting point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 torque limiter assembly effectively prevents damage to the internal gears and linkages by allowing the barrier arm to yield to external forces without rotating the spindle, reducing repair costs and downtime, while maintaining functionality and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The brake caliper includes adjustable pressure bolts which create friction on the brake disk

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS7818920B2Barrier gate with torque limiter

Publication Date: 2010.10.26 B&B ROADWAY & SECURITY SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

Disclosed is an apparatus for a barrier gate designed to control vehicular travel through a passageway. The invention disclosed employs a barrier arm, a housing, a motor and transmission, a rotary encoder, and a torque limiter assembly. The torque limiter assembly comprises a hub, spindle, brake disk, rotor, and a gland nut. The torque limiter assembly is mounted to the motor and transmission as well as connected to the barrier arm. The torque limiter assembly provides sufficient friction to rotate the barrier arm and also protects the internal gears and linkages of the transmission and motor from costly repair/replacement by preventing any unwanted rotation. In the event an outside force rotates the barrier arm, the rotary encoder in cooperation with a controller instantly recognizes the position of the barrier arm and further acts as a limit switch to send a signal to the motor to stop when the barrier arm is in place.