Arcuate Control Gate Cable Layout for Deep Channel Flooding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control gates for liquid flow regulation are limited by the physical size and depth they can manage, leading to overflow issues during floods, which can damage motors and electronics by submerging them in water.
Innovation Solution
A control gate design featuring a barrier member with a circular arcuate section and a dual pulley system, where the pulleys are positioned above the flood line, allowing for a longer cable length and larger barrier member, ensuring the motor and electronics remain dry during floods, and enabling deeper channel control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motor and electronics are positioned at the base of the channel, then the control gate can be compact, but the motors and electronics are submerged during floods causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the motor and electronics above the flood line by utilizing the vertical dimension. The barrier member is designed with an offset member that extends upward, allowing the drive mechanism to be located at a higher elevation than the channel base, thus protecting sensitive components from floodwater while maintaining functional connectivity through the cable-pulley system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the barrier member is made larger to control deeper channels, then deeper channel control is enabled, but the cable length and pulley system become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a circular arcuate section on the barrier member that guides the cable along a curved path. This curvature allows the cable to maintain peripheral contact with the arcuate section while accommodating the increased length required for deeper channel control, simplifying the overall cable routing and reducing complexity compared to straight-line configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pulley system as an intermediary mechanism between the motor and the barrier member. The pulleys transfer rotary motion from the motor to linear motion of the cable, which then actuates the barrier member. This intermediary mechanism enables control of larger barrier members for deeper channels while managing cable length and tension through the pulley's mechanical advantage.
3Ease of operation
If the cable is positioned to contact the circular arcuate section peripherally, then smooth motion is achieved, but the cable routing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cable routing directly into the circular arcuate section of the barrier member. The cable is positioned to contact the peripheral surface of the arcuate section, which naturally guides the cable along a curved path as the barrier member moves. This curvature-based guidance achieves smooth motion while the cable's flexible nature accommodates the curved routing without requiring additional complex guide structures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design allows for improved operation under flood conditions and enables the control gate to manage deeper channels, preventing motor and electronic damage while maintaining efficient flow regulation.
Implementation Method 1
said cable passing under said second pulley in contact with the opposite face of said second pulley
Implementation Method 2
said drive including a cable, motor and first and second pulleys, said first pulley coupled to said motor, said cable secured to opposite first and second ends of said circular arcuate section under tension with said second pulley being adjacent to said circular arcuate section
Implementation Method 3
said cable secured to opposite first and second ends of said circular arcuate section under tension
Data Source
AI summary
A control gate adapted to be installed across a channel for liquids. The control gate includes a barrier member with a side member that has a circular arcuate section, the barrier member being pivotally mounted at or adjacent to the base of the channel; and a drive for raising and lowering the barrier member. The drive includes a cable, motor and first and second pulleys. The first pulley is coupled to the motor, the cable is secured to opposite first and second ends of the arcuate section, with the second pulley being adjacent to the arcuate section. The cable passes along the arcuate section from the one end to pass under the second pulley in contact therewith, is looped around the first pulley, above the second pulley, then passes under the second pulley and is secured to the second end of the arcuate section.