Compact control barrier system
A system includes an actuator, a barrier, and a linkage system connecting the barrier to the actuator and configured to move the barrier element between a retracted position and an extended position, and a stop arranged to inhibit a motion of the linkage system in a first direction when the barrier is in the extended position.
1 . A barrier system comprising:
an actuator;
a cam movably coupled to the actuator;
a barrier;
a linkage system connecting the barrier to the actuator and configured to move the barrier element between a retracted position and an extended position, the linkage system comprising a link having a first end and a second end; and
a stop arranged to inhibit a motion of the linkage system in a first direction when the barrier is in the extended position,
wherein the first end of the link is rotatably coupled to the cam, and
wherein the second end of the link is rotatably coupled to the barrier.
2 . The barrier system according to claim 1 , wherein the stop is configured to inhibit a motion of the linkage system in a second direction when the barrier is in the retracted position.
3 . The barrier system according to claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises a brushless DC motor.
4 . The barrier system according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier has a first height configured to extend a first predetermined distance above the top surface when the barrier is in the extended position.
5 . The barrier system according to claim 1 , further comprising a housing accommodating the actuator, the linkage system, the stop and the barrier in the retracted position.
6 . The barrier system according to claim 5 , wherein the housing comprises a first surface having a slot defined therewithin.
7 . The barrier system according to claim 6 , wherein the slot is defined by first and second edges parallel to one another and spaced apart by a width.
8 . The barrier system according to claim 7 , wherein the barrier has a first thickness and the width of the slot is greater than the first thickness such that there is a first predetermined distance between the barrier and the first edge and a second predetermined distance between the barrier and the second edge when the barrier extends through the slot.
9 . A barrier system comprising:
an actuator;
a cam movably coupled to the actuator;
a barrier;
a linkage system connecting the barrier to the actuator and configured to move the barrier element between a retracted position and an extended position; a sensor configured to detect a position of the cam, and
a stop arranged to inhibit a motion of the linkage system in a first direction when the barrier is in the extended position.
10 . The barrier system according to claim 9 , wherein the sensor comprises a first sensor configured to detect a position of the cam when the barrier is in the retracted position.
11 . The barrier system according to claim 10 , wherein the sensor comprises a second sensor configured to detect a position of the cam when the barrier is in the extended position.
12 . A method for controlling a movement of an object on a conveyor system, the method comprising:
actuating an actuator to rotate a cam in a first direction, the cam connected to a barrier via a link, and
detecting a position of the cam with a sensor,
wherein the link moves the barrier to an extended position to extend beyond a roller element of the conveyor system, thereby obstructing a movement of the object conveyed by the conveyor system.
13 . The method according to claim 12 , further comprising:
actuating the actuator to rotate the cam in a second direction opposite of the first direction, wherein the link moves the barrier to a retracted position, thereby permitting a movement of the object beyond the roller element.
14 . The method according to claim 13 , further comprising resisting a further movement of the cam in the first direction, when the barrier is in the extended position and an external force is applied on the barrier or the link.
15 . A system comprising:
a conveyor system having at least one roller element; and
a barrier system removably secured adjacent to the at least one roller element, the barrier system comprising:
an actuator;
a cam movably coupled to the actuator;
a sensor configured to detect a position of the cam,
a barrier; and
a linkage system connecting the barrier to the actuator and configured to move the barrier between a retracted position and an extended position,
wherein the barrier is configured to extend beyond the at least one roller element by a second predetermined distance when in the extended position.
16 . The system according to claim 15 , further comprising a stop arranged to inhibit a motion of the linkage system in a first direction when the barrier is in the extended position.
17 . The system according to claim 15 , further comprising a first controller configured to control the actuator; and/or
wherein the first controller is compatible with a second controller of the conveyor system.