Adjustable Gate Frames with Rotating Sections for Variable Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of installing adjustable gates that fit precisely into variously sized openings is complicated by the uncertainty of the gate size needed until installation is complete, leading to difficulties in manufacturing, delivery, and installation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The development of adjustable fence sections and gates with vertical and horizontal frame sections that can be rotated and connected, along with truss cable connections and cable storage, allowing for easy resizing and adjustment during and after installation, and incorporating turnbuckles for tension adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If adjustable gates are manufactured with fixed dimensions before installation, then manufacturing and shipping are simplified, but the gates cannot be precisely fitted to variously sized openings until installation is complete

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidgate size adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gate is divided into multiple horizontal frame sections that can be independently adjusted in width. These sections are connected through adjustable connections, allowing the gate to be segmented into different configurations to fit various opening sizes while maintaining ease of manufacturing for each standard section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gate incorporates adjustable width mechanisms that allow the horizontal dimension to be dynamically changed after manufacturing. The frame sections can be repositioned and reconnected in different configurations, enabling the same manufactured components to adapt to different opening sizes without requiring custom manufacturing for each size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional gate assembly methods are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but assembly time and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The horizontal frame sections are pre-manufactured with integrated connection features and adjustment mechanisms already in place. The cable support brackets and other components are pre-attached to the frame sections during manufacturing, so that during installation, the gate sections can be quickly assembled by simply connecting the pre-prepared components without requiring complex on-site fabrication or adjustment work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If truss cables are cut to specific sizes during installation, then precise fitting is achieved, but safety risks from loose cable ends and inability to resize later occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable length precisionVSAvoidcable injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The truss cables are designed with excess length that is stored within the horizontal frame sections. The cables are threaded through the frame structure, and any unused portions are nested inside the hollow frame sections or dedicated cable storage compartments. This eliminates loose cable ends that could cause injury while maintaining the ability to adjust cable tension and gate size later by reconfiguring the cable routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Area of stationary object

If gates are manufactured with fixed dimensions, then shipping footprint is larger, but adjustment flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshipping footprintVSAvoidresize capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gate utilizes collapsible and adjustable frame sections that can be reconfigured from a compact shipping configuration to various operational configurations. The horizontal frame sections can be nested or collapsed together during shipping to minimize footprint, then expanded and adjusted to different widths during installation to fit various opening sizes, providing both space efficiency and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12404720B2Adjustable fencing, gates, and assemblies and methods of assembly and installation

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 JEWETT CAMERON CO

AI summary

Adjustable fence and gate assemblies may include first and second vertical frame sections having opposing ends and horizontal frame sections are rotatably connected to each end of the vertical frame sections. The vertical and horizontal frame section may be adjustably connected to form an adjustable frame for the gate. Gate member brackets may be attached to each end of the vertical frame sections proximate each end of the vertical frame sections to retain and secure gate members in position. Two hinge brackets may be positioned on the vertical frame section configured to attach to a post and enable opening and closing of the gate. Truss cable connectors including a turnbuckle and a collet may be employed to secure a truss cable providing structural support for the gate and provide access to the interior of the frame sections for truss cable storage.