Adjustable-Length Gate Kit for Existing Post Spacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gate installation methods require users to manually adjust and orient crosspieces, which can be tedious and inadequate if posts are already installed, and often necessitate cutting multiple elements to fit the space between rails.

Innovation Solution

A method and kit for mounting an adaptable length gate that includes filler grooves, reference marks, and snap-fastening closures, allowing users to easily assemble and secure crosspieces and panels between posts using standard tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users manually adjust and orient crosspieces in existing gate installation methods, then the gate can be assembled, but the installation process becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The crosspieces are pre-assembled between the sleepers in the kit, so that when the user receives the kit, the crosspieces are already in their correct positions and orientations. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for users to manually adjust and orient crosspieces during installation, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The gate is divided into separate modular components (sleepers, crosspieces, fillers, panels) that can be independently assembled and then quickly installed between posts. This segmentation allows for pre-assembly of complex elements like crosspiece-sleeper combinations, reducing on-site assembly complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the gate is delivered in separate parts for user assembly, then packaging and transport are facilitated, but the user must perform complex assembly and adjustment tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging and transportVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The kit is designed to be self-assembling with minimal user intervention required. Components are configured to automatically align and secure themselves during installation, such as the crosspieces that are pre-positioned between sleepers and the panels that snap into place, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining packaging efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the position of posts determines the sash length in existing solutions, then the gate fits the space, but the solution becomes inadequate when posts are already installed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to existing postsVSAvoidlength precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The gate length is made adjustable and adaptable rather than fixed. The kit allows users to configure the gate to match the distance between existing posts by selectively assembling crosspieces and panels, enabling the same kit to adapt to various post positions without requiring precise pre-manufacturing of each specific length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple elements are cut to fit the space between crosspieces, then the gate fits the space, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit precisionVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3744943B1Method for mounting a door of adaptable length and kit for at least one door of adaptable length

Publication Date: 2025.10.22 GYPASS

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AI summary

Method of assembling an adjustable length opening (2), particularly for a gate (1, 20) between two fixed posts (3), the opening (2) comprising at least two uprights (4) and at least two crossbars (5), the method comprising: - measuring a transverse distance (L) between the two posts (3); - calculating an appropriate length for each crossbar (5) based on the distance (L) measured between the two posts (3); - cutting each crossbar (5) to the appropriate length; - fixing each crossbar (5) to a first upright (4), each crossbar (5) being fixed at a different height on the first upright (4); - fixing each crossbar (5) to the second upright (4), each crossbar (5) being fixed at a different height on the second upright (4).