Variable Power Brake for Entrance Exit Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing entrance or exit systems consume significant energy, particularly when a blocking device is activated, and are prone to power failure during panic situations due to insufficient braking force.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a variable power supply to optimize braking operations by adjusting current, voltage, or pulse width modulation based on the position of the shut-off device, allowing for reduced energy consumption and adaptable braking force, including the use of a shorter locking device to minimize power requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shut-off device blocks a passage with high braking force, then the blocking effect is sufficient, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblocking effectVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The brake is operated dynamically with different power levels based on the position of the shut-off device. The control system adjusts the brake power from minimum (during blocking) to maximum (during position changes), allowing the system to maintain reliable blocking while minimizing energy consumption during stationary periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The brake power parameter is changed based on the operational state. The control system varies the power supplied to the brake according to the position of the shut-off device, using measured position data to adjust braking force from minimum to maximum as needed, resolving the contradiction between maintaining blocking reliability and reducing energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If a shorter bar is used as barrier device, then power requirements are reduced, but braking force may be insufficient for longer passage blocks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower requirementsVSAvoidbraking force
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic brake operation where the brake power is adjusted based on the position of the shut-off device. This allows a shorter bar to be used with lower minimum power requirements, while the brake can still deliver maximum force when needed for position changes or panic situations, maintaining reliability without requiring excessive power during normal blocking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If high braking force is applied continuously, then panic situations are handled effectively, but energy consumption increases during normal operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanic situation handlingVSAvoidenergy consumption during normal operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The brake operates periodically with varying power levels rather than continuously at maximum. The control system switches between minimum power during normal blocking and maximum power during position changes or panic situations, ensuring effective panic handling while minimizing energy consumption during extended normal operation periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system uses feedback from the angle measuring system to determine the position of the shut-off device and adjusts brake power accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that maximum braking force is available when needed for panic situations while automatically reducing power during normal operation to minimize energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining sufficient braking force, allowing for efficient operation during normal and panic situations, with potential power savings of up to 90% compared to standard systems.

Implementation Method 1

a brake (7) which acts on the shut-off device (3). The brake (7) is driven with a variable power Px depending on its position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic braking: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2687664B1Entrance or exit system
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 WANZL GMBH & CO KGAA
  • EP2687664B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2687664B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The unit (1) has a column (2) on which a shut-off device (3) is mounted. A brake (7) acts on the shut-off device, and is driven by variable power until a sufficient braking action is achieved in every position, where the variable power reaches over a variable voltage and variable current value. The variable power reaches over a variable duty factor by pulse width modulation. The shut-off device is designed as a bracket, a hub or part for shutting-off of space. Power is controlled by manipulating the shutoff device.