Double Door Gate Frame Connectors for Compact Shipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double door gate apparatuses occupy a significant amount of space during shipment and assembly, requiring efficient packaging and assembly solutions that maintain strength, stability, and safety.
Innovation Solution
A double door gate apparatus with a first and second frame, each having a lowermost frame member with inner ends, connected by elongate rigid braces and connectors that engage exterior and interior portions of the inner ends, allowing nonpivotable assembly and a unique pivot mechanism for easy assembly and minimal space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the gate apparatus is assembled in a traditional fixed configuration, then strength and stability are improved, but shipping space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gate apparatus is divided into separate frame components that can be disassembled into individual segments for shipping. The frame members are separated at connection points, allowing them to be packed more compactly while being reassembled into the complete gate structure at the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame connection system incorporates pivotable joints that allow the frame to transition between a fixed assembled configuration (providing strength and stability) and a collapsed/disassembled configuration (reducing shipping volume). The dynamic connection mechanism enables the structure to adapt its form factor based on operational requirements.
2Volume of moving object
If the gate apparatus is disassembled for shipping, then shipping space efficiency is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Connection features such as alignment pins, pre-drilled holes, and guide surfaces are incorporated into the frame segments during manufacturing. These preliminary actions ensure that when assembly is required, the components self-align and connect in the correct sequence, significantly reducing assembly complexity despite the disassembled shipping state.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized connection intermediaries such as bolts, pins, or quick-connect mechanisms are used at the interface between frame segments. These intermediary components simplify the joining process by providing a uniform, repeatable connection method that reduces the skill level and time required for assembly.
3Device complexity
If connectors engage only exterior portions of frame members, then connector simplicity is improved, but connection strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design merges exterior engagement (for simplicity of attachment) with interior engagement (for strength) into a single integrated component. The connector simultaneously contacts both the outer surface and inner cavity of the tubular frame members, combining the benefits of easy exterior access with the structural advantage of interior support.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a composite structure that engages both the exterior and interior surfaces of the frame members. This composite engagement approach distributes connection forces across multiple contact points, increasing overall connection strength without requiring the connector itself to be overly complex.
Data Source
AI summary
The present double door gate apparatus has a first lowermost frame member with a first inner end and a second lowermost frame member with a second inner end. The first and second inner ends are spaced apart and engaged by a first connector that engages exterior portions of the inner ends and a second connector that engages interior portions of the inner ends. First and second gates have inner ends that confront each other more closely than the inner ends of the lowermost frame members confront each other.