Anti-Rotation Bracket for Gate Hinge Bolt Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional utility gates and gate hardware suffer from issues such as gate hinge bolts rotating about their threaded axis under torsional loading, causing the gate to sag and potentially fall off the mount when opened.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an anti-rotation bracket configured for use with a gate hinge bolt, which extends between the post and the gate hinge bolt to prevent rotation of the gate hinge bolt relative to the post, thereby maintaining the gate's secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional gate hinge bolts are used to mount the gate to the post, then the gate can be opened and closed by rotating the gate relative to the post, but the gate hinge bolt rotates about the threaded axis under torsional loading, causing the gate to sag and potentially fall off the mount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an anti-rotation bracket as an intermediary component between the gate hinge bolt and the post. This bracket prevents the gate hinge bolt from rotating about its threaded axis by providing a mechanical constraint, while still allowing the gate to rotate relative to the post for opening and closing operations. The bracket acts as a mediator that separates the rotational function (gate movement) from the anti-rotation function (bolt stability).
Solution Approach 2:
The gate mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: the gate hinge bolt for attachment, the anti-rotation bracket for preventing bolt rotation, and the gate itself for movement. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its specific function, with the anti-rotation bracket specifically addressing the torsional loading issue without interfering with the gate's opening and closing operation.
2Ease of operation
If the gate hinge bolt is allowed to rotate freely under torsional loading, then the gate can be easily opened to ninety degrees, but the torsional loading causes the gate to sag and makes it more difficult to open and close
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation bracket applies a preliminary constraint against the torsional loading that would otherwise cause the gate hinge bolt to rotate. By preventing this rotation in advance, the bracket eliminates the sagging effect that increases the force required to open and close the gate, while still permitting the gate to reach the ninety-degree opening position.
3Ease of operation
If the gate mounting hardware rotates relative to the post when the gate is opened, then the gate can be opened, but the gate falls off the mount requiring the user to rehang the gate
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation bracket serves as an intermediary that maintains the rotational relationship between the gate hinge bolt and the post. It prevents the hardware from rotating relative to the post while still allowing the gate to open, thereby ensuring the gate remains securely mounted throughout the opening and closing cycle.
Data Source
AI summary
A gate apparatus includes a structure such as a post and a gate hinge bolt disposed on the structure. The gate hinge bolt includes a threaded shaft inserted into the structure and a mounting boss extending perpendicularly from the threaded shaft, wherein the mounting boss is spaced away from the structure by a mounting boss distance. A gate having a gate hinge barrel is positioned on the mounting boss, and an exposed portion of the mounting boss protrudes from the gate hinge barrel. An anti-rotation bracket is disposed between the structure and the exposed portion of the mounting boss to prevent rotation of the gate hinge bolt relative to the structure when the gate is opened or closed.