Bi-Swing Gate Lock with Retractable Door Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bi-swing gate locking systems are difficult to install and maintain, prone to vandalism, and cannot accommodate misalignments between the gate and posts, with mechanisms that are expensive and easily damaged.
Innovation Solution
A bi-swing gate lock using an electric actuator with a failsafe mode that automatically unlatches during emergencies, featuring retractable door stops with polyurethane pads redirecting loads to the gate post, and a sensor to detect gate positions, ensuring the gate remains locked with power applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the gate can be locked, but the mechanism is easily damaged and expensive to repair
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: swing arms for latching, polyurethane pads for load distribution, and an electric actuator for control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and replaces expensive traditional mechanisms with simpler, more durable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses polyurethane pads combined with metal swing arms and electric actuators to create a composite locking system. The polyurethane material provides shock absorption and load distribution, while the metal components provide structural strength, creating a system that is both durable and cost-effective.
2Reliability
If rigid locking mechanisms are used, then the gate can be securely locked, but the mechanism cannot tolerate misalignments between the gate and posts
Solution Approach 1:
The swing arms are designed to pivot dynamically, allowing them to adjust to misalignments between the gate and posts. The polyurethane pads can compress and deform to accommodate position variations, while the electric actuator provides controlled movement to maintain proper latching despite alignment issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes physical parameters such as the angle and position of the swing arms, and the compression of polyurethane pads, to adapt to different alignment conditions. This allows the locking mechanism to maintain security while tolerating misalignments up to certain limits.
3Reliability
If complex latching mechanisms are used to ensure secure locking, then the gate can be locked reliably, but the device becomes difficult to install and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from complex traditional mechanisms and implemented through simple swing arms that pivot on posts. The electric actuator handles the control functions, separating the mechanical latching from the control systems and simplifying both installation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arms and polyurethane pads are designed to self-adjust and self-latch without requiring complex control mechanisms or frequent maintenance. The electric actuator provides automated control, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying operation.
4Reliability
If failsafe mode is implemented to automatically unlatch during emergencies, then safety is improved, but the system requires continuous electric power to maintain locked state
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring continuous power to maintain locking, the system uses power to maintain the unlocked state and spring-loaded mechanisms to automatically lock when power is lost. This inversion of the traditional approach ensures safety during power failures while reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Spring-loaded mechanisms are pre-installed to provide automatic locking action in case of power failure. These springs are charged beforehand and automatically engage the swing arms when power is lost, ensuring safety without requiring continuous power consumption.
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 provides a rugged, reliable, and inexpensive gate lock that withstands vandalism and accommodates misalignments, ensuring secure operation and easy installation, while maintaining the gate's locked state with power and automatically unlocking during emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
Loads trying to force open a locked gate are redirected through polyurethane pads on the sides of the retractable door stops directly to the insides of matching pockets within the post
Implementation Method 2
an electric actuator to unlatch the gate on request
Implementation Method 3
the loss of power automatically unlocks the traplock and spring pressure pulls in the retractable door stops
Data Source
AI summary
A bi-swing gate lock uses an electric actuator to unlatch the gate on request, and a failsafe mode that automatically unlatches the gate during emergencies or power failures. The traplock uses two swing arms that pivot retractable door stops in and out on either side of a closed gate from a stationary 4″ post. Loads trying to force open a locked gate are redirected through polyurethane pads on the sides of the retractable door stops directly to the insides of matching pockets within the post. Such loads can flex the swing arms, but significant loads will not reach the swing arm pivot bearings. Keeping the gate locked requires electric power applied to a lock actuator, and the loss of power automatically unlocks the traplock. Power applied to a retraction actuator pushes out the retractable door stops. A sensor detects when the gate returns to a closed position and the lock actuator can be energized once again.