Have you ever been in a parking lot where the barrier gate stays up even after a long time since you’ve swiped your card? Well, this is usually prevented by two gadgets: a loop coil detector or an anti-fall radar.
Safety gadgets like loop coil detectors or anti-fall radars, detect if there’s a car nearby and stop the gate from closing too soon.
In this article, we’re going to explain how they both work.
How loop coil detector work
The loop coil detector is a type of sensor commonly used in parking lots, toll booths, and traffic control systems to detect the presence of vehicles and trigger actions such as raising or lowering barrier gates.
When placed in the ground close to entrances or exits, loop coil detectors produce an electromagnetic field that rises above the pavement.
Vehicles cause disruptions to the field when they go over the loop, causing electrical currents to be generated that alert control units to the presence of a vehicle.
By initiating events like gate opening or toll collection, these machines provide dependable and effective automated traffic flow control.
In more detail, here’s how it works:
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- Installation: The loop coil detector is made up of a wire loop or coil that is buried close to a parking lot or toll booth’s entry or departure. Usually, the loop is placed in a circle or rectangle, with the wire buried slightly below the pavement’s surface.
- Electromagnetic Field: When an alternating current (AC) electrical signal is applied to the loop coil, it generates an electromagnetic field around the loop. This field extends above the surface of the pavement and can penetrate vehicles passing over the loop
- Inductive Sensing: As a vehicle approaches the loop coil, its metal components (such as the frame, chassis, or engine) interact with the electromagnetic field generated by the loop. This interaction induces electrical currents in the metal components, creating a change in the electromagnetic field detected by the loop coil.
- Detection: The loop coil detector is connected to a control unit or traffic signal controller, which continuously monitors the electromagnetic field generated by the loop. When a vehicle passes over the loop and disrupts the electromagnetic field, the control unit detects this change and registers the presence of the vehicle.
- Triggering Actions: Upon detecting a vehicle, the control unit triggers specific actions based on programmed instructions. For example, in a parking lot, the detection of a vehicle approaching the entrance may trigger the barrier gate to open automatically. Similarly, in a toll booth, the detection of a vehicle approaching the toll plaza may trigger the toll collection process or raise the barrier gate to allow entry.
- Adjustable Sensitivity: The sensitivity of the loop coil detector can be adjusted to detect vehicles of different sizes and materials. This allows for precise detection and reliable operation in various traffic conditions.
The cons of using this system are usually the installment process as it is not that easy and simple to set up the loop coil on the ground.
How Anti-fall radar work
To put it briefly, anti-fall radars work by generating radar waves and measuring the reflections they receive from surrounding people or objects. Because the majority of barrier gate chassis have a vacant slot set aside for this radar, it is typically mounted on the body of the barrier gate.
The radar detects possible fall hazards or dangerous conditions by analyzing the radar wave reflections from the object or person. The radar system detects objects and, in order to maintain safety and avoid accidents, sounds alarms or notifications.
In more detail, how it works can be explained in 5 steps.
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- Radar Emission: The radar emits electromagnetic waves, typically in the microwave frequency range, into the surrounding environment.
- Reflection: When these waves encounter objects or individuals within the radar’s coverage area, they reflect off the surfaces and scatter in different directions.
- Detection: The radar receiver analyses the reflected waves, measuring factors such as signal strength, frequency shift, and time delay to determine the presence and location of objects or individuals.
- Signal Processing: Advanced signal processing algorithms are employed to filter out background noise and interpret the radar returns, distinguishing between various types of objects and movement patterns.
- Alert Generation: Upon detecting a potential fall or hazardous situation, the radar system triggers alarms or alerts, notifying operators or activating safety mechanisms to prevent accidents
People usually use this option as it is much easier to set up and control.
Difference between loop coil and anti-fall radar
The main difference between the two is what kind of object it detects.
Loop coils only detect metal objects meanwhile radar can detect all kinds of objects as long as it can bounce back the radar.
In barrier gate usage, the loop coil detects the car only, meanwhile, the radar detects the vehicle or person walking by.
Hikvision Ds-tmg035 Anti-fall Radar
This anti-fall radar from Hikvision is the one we most recommend using as it is not just reliable but also easier to set up than others.
What sets it apart is its unparalleled convenience – unlike other anti-fall radars that require a laptop for calibration, the DS-TMG035 can be easily calibrated through a mobile app.
This innovative feature streamlines the setup process, allowing users to adjust settings and customize parameters directly from their smartphones.
With its advanced technology and user-friendly interface, the Hikvision DS-TMG035 offers a seamless and efficient solution for enhancing safety and preventing accidents in high-risk areas.
If you are searching for a supplier for loop coil or anti-fall radar. Kindly contact us at VSH Technology by clicking here.