Automated Hinge Drive for Rotating Folding Gates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating or folding gates require large forces to operate the second gate wing due to a small angle with the transmission mechanism, leading to quicker wear and metal fatigue, and are limited to automating only two successive gate wings, with complex mechanical components requiring significant maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A rotating or folding gate with independently drivable hinges equipped with positioning sensors and a processing unit to synchronize the movement of gate wings, using high-torque reduction gearboxes and Hall sensors for precise positioning, allowing for smooth and controlled operation of multiple gate wings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transmission mechanism is used to drive the second gate wing from the first gate wing, then the gate wings can be folded open or shut, but large forces are required leading to quicker wear and metal fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The gate system is divided into independent driven hinge units, each capable of autonomously driving a gate wing. Instead of one transmission mechanism driving multiple wings sequentially, each wing has its own driven hinge with motor and positioning sensor, allowing independent control and eliminating the force amplification problems of transmission mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical transmission mechanisms (rods, gear racks, drive belts) with electrically driven hinge units. Each driven hinge uses an electric motor with encoder feedback to directly rotate the gate wing, eliminating complex mechanical linkages and their associated wear and force transmission issues.
2Extent of automation
If a transmission mechanism is used to drive multiple gate wings, then the gates can be automated, but the mechanical components require considerable maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The automated gate system is segmented into independent driven hinge modules, each with its own motor and control electronics. This modular approach allows individual modules to be maintained or replaced without affecting other parts of the system, significantly reducing maintenance complexity compared to a single centralized transmission mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates mechanical transmission components (rods, gear racks, belts) that require lubrication, alignment, and wear monitoring by using electrically driven hinge units. Each unit uses an electric motor with direct or geared drive and electronic control, removing the need for mechanical maintenance while achieving full automation of multiple gate wings.
3Manufacturing precision
If independently drivable hinges with positioning sensors are used for each gate wing, then synchronized operation can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses identical driven hinge modules for each gate wing, where each module integrates a motor, reduction gearbox, Hall effect sensor, and control electronics into a universal unit. This modular universality allows the system to handle any number of gate wings using the same standardized component, managing complexity through repetition rather than customization.
Solution Approach 2:
Each driven hinge is equipped with Hall effect sensors and encoders that provide real-time feedback on the position and rotation of each gate wing. The control system uses this feedback from all sensors to coordinate the operation of multiple independent driven hinges, achieving precise synchronization through closed-loop control rather than mechanical coupling.
4Productivity
If high-torque reduction gearboxes are used in each drivable hinge, then faster and safer operation is achieved, but the weight and size of each hinge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses high-torque reduction gearboxes with optimized gear ratios to multiply the torque output of relatively small electric motors. By changing the mechanical advantage parameter through gear reduction, the system achieves high torque output (for fast, safe operation) while keeping the motor size and overall hinge weight manageable compared to using large direct-drive motors.
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 solution enables efficient, synchronized operation of multiple gate wings with reduced wear and maintenance, providing higher torque and precise positioning, allowing for faster and safer operation while accommodating more than two gate wings and enhancing protection against vandalism.
Implementation Method 1
a first positioning sensor (angle sensor, encoder) which is configured to determine the position of the first gate wing with respect to the post, and a second positioning sensor (angle sensor, encoder) which is configured to determine the position of the second gate wing with respect to the first gate wing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a folding or rotating gate (1) with two or more gate wings (1), comprising: - a post (2); - a first gate wing (3) which is hingeably connected to the post (2); - a second gate wing (4) which is hingeably connected to the first gate wing (3); - drive means configured to fold the first (3) and second gate wing (4) open or shut, wherein the drive means comprise a first drivable hinge (5) configured to drive the first gate wing (3) and a second drivable hinge (6) configured to drive the second gate wing (4).