1. Loop Detector
Advantages:
Provides precise vehicle detection, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Low cost of use
Disadvantages:
High installation cost: Requires cutting and restoring the pavement, which increases both time and expense.
High maintenance cost: Loops need to be replaced about every two years, leading to ongoing expenses.
Installation limitations: Not suitable for areas where power cables, fiber optics, water, or gas pipelines run underneath the pavement.
If a vehicle’s chassis is too high, the loop detector may fail to detect the vehicle.
2. Photocell
Advantages:
Cost-effective and suitable for simple vehicle entrance detection systems.
Disadvantages:
Poor adaptability: Photocells need to be installed in pairs on both sides of the entrance and are susceptible to external interference, such as collisions, falling leaves, or other obstacles.
Frequent maintenance: Environmental factors like weather and debris can require more frequent maintenance compared to other systems.
After several years of use, the infrared laser in the photocell may weaken, affecting its performance.
3. Millimetre wave radar sensors
Advantages:
High-precision detection: Radar sensors can accurately detect vehicles, non-motorized vehicles, and pedestrians, ensuring barrier gate safety by preventing accidents.
Easy installation: Requires no pavement cutting or complex wiring, making it fast and cost-efficient to install.
High reliability and sensitivity: Offers excellent resistance to interference, making it ideal for complex traffic conditions.
Multi-function detection: Capable of detecting various objects, from vehicles to pedestrians, enhancing overall security in barrier gate areas.
Disadvantages:
While slightly more expensive than photocells, radar sensors offer lower maintenance costs than loop detectors, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Comparison Summary
Installation cost: Loop Detector > Radar Sensor > Photocell
Maintenance cost: Loop Detector > Photocell > Radar Sensor
Detection accuracy and functionality: Radar Sensor > Loop Detector > Photocell
Ease of installation: Radar Sensor > Photocell > Loop Detector
For high-precision, low-maintenance, and versatile detection, millimeter-wave radar sensors are the superior choice for modern barrier gate systems.
For the above three anti-collision solutions for barrier gates, Sean Liu recommends using millimeter-wave radar and loop detectors together.
This combination is suitable for high-end locations and helps prevent issues where loop detectors fail to detect large trucks with high chassis.
