Automated Gate Control for Load Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gate control systems for load carrying vehicles, such as belly dumps, require manual operation, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns, as drivers must exit the vehicle to adjust gate widths, resulting in inconsistent material distribution and increased operational time.

Innovation Solution

An automated gate control system with a driver-accessible control module and a gate actuating mechanism that allows for wireless or wired control of the gate, enabling the driver to open, close, and set intermediate positions without leaving the vehicle, using a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator and position sensor for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual gate control is used, then the driver can control the gate width, but the driver must exit the vehicle each time the gate is moved, reducing efficiency and safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegate control operationVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical gate control system with an automated motorized system. The driver uses a control module inside the cab to send electrical signals that activate a motor-driven gate actuating mechanism, eliminating the need for manual chain adjustments and gate handling while maintaining precise control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary control system consisting of a control module, wireless communication device, and gate actuating mechanism. This intermediary system acts as a mediator between the driver's control inputs and the physical gate, enabling remote operation from inside the cab without direct mechanical interaction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual chain adjustments are made to control gate width, then the gate can be positioned, but the process requires multiple steps including exiting the vehicle, adjusting chains, and re-entering, increasing operational time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegate position precisionVSAvoidtime for gate adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual chain-based positioning system with an automated motorized actuating mechanism controlled by electrical signals. The system uses a control module with preset positions and wireless communication to automatically position the gate, eliminating the time-consuming manual chain adjustment process while maintaining positioning accuracy through controlled motor movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control module is pre-programmed with preset gate positions corresponding to different material distribution requirements. This preliminary configuration allows the driver to select from pre-defined positions without manual calculation or adjustment, reducing the time and complexity of gate positioning operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the driver exits the vehicle to control the gate, then manual adjustment is possible, but safety risks increase due to proximity to moving vehicles and dumping operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual gate adjustmentVSAvoidsafety hazards to driver

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a remote control system as an intermediary between the driver and the gate mechanism. The wireless communication device and control module enable the driver to operate the gate from inside the protected cab, eliminating exposure to safety hazards while maintaining full control capability through electronic signaling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This system enhances productivity by allowing consistent and repeatable gate control during material distribution, reducing operational time and costs by eliminating the need for manual chain adjustments, and improving safety by allowing the driver to remain in the vehicle during operation.

Implementation Method 1

using a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic:

Implementation Method 2

using a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic:

Implementation Method 3

position sensor for precise control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS7980636B2Automated gate control and methods

Publication Date: 2011.07.19 MIP HLDG

AI summary

An automated gate control system for a vehicle with a load carrying portion capable of carrying a load of material selectively distributable through a gate comprises a driver-accessible control module and a gate actuating mechanism. The driver-accessible control mechanism is positionable within reach of a driver of the vehicle. The gate actuating mechanism is controllably linked to and responsive to control signals from the driver-accessible control module to open and to close the gate to distribute material through the gate as desired. As a result, the driver need not exit the vehicle to move the gate before, after or during a material distribution operation.