Self-Closing Electric Fence Gate with Telescopic Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-closing electric fence gates are either too large and heavy, causing damage to vehicles or not suitable for electrified animal enclosures due to lack of continuous opening when pushed open.
Innovation Solution
A self-closing gate with a flexible, electrically conductive barrier and a telescopically engaged hinge system using non-conductive tubes and a conductive tension spring for automatic closure, allowing the barrier to open to either side, secured with a metal bolt for electrical connection and coated with conductive paint for enhanced conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a large and heavy gate is used to close an enclosure, then the gate can effectively close the opening, but it causes damage to vehicles pushing it open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible barrier that can be pushed open by vehicles without causing damage. The barrier is designed to flex and move rather than resist the vehicle with rigid force, thereby maintaining gate functionality while protecting vehicles from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the gate from rigid and heavy to flexible and lighter. This parameter change allows the gate to adapt to vehicle passage by flexing rather than maintaining a fixed rigid structure, resolving the contradiction between strength and vehicle safety.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid gate structure is used, then the gate provides structural stability, but it cannot provide continuous opening when pushed by vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the gate flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to move and adapt when pushed by vehicles. The flexible barrier can dynamically change its position and shape during vehicle passage while maintaining structural integrity through its material properties and support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible barrier acts as a flexible shell that can deform under vehicle pressure and return to its closed position, providing both stability when closed and adaptability when opened by vehicles.
3Reliability
If non-conductive materials are used for the hinge tubes, then electrical insulation is provided, but electrical connection between barrier and hinge must be established through alternative means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a conductive spring as an intermediary element that bridges the non-conductive hinge tubes and the conductive barrier. The spring provides both mechanical connection for the hinge functionality and electrical conduction path, eliminating the need for separate electrical connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge system combines non-conductive tube materials with a conductive spring element, creating a composite structure that simultaneously provides electrical insulation where needed and electrical conduction where required for the electrified fence functionality.
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 gate effectively maintains an electrified perimeter while allowing vehicle passage without damage, suitable for both large agricultural and electrified animal enclosures with continuous opening and secure electrical connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
a tension spring within the tubes serves to urge said cam surfaces into engagement in such a way as to bias the gate into the closed position
Implementation Method 2
the barrier is coated with an electro-conductive paint to provide an outer conductive layer for forming an electrical connection to said spring
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-closing gate for an electrified enclosure consists of an electrically conductive barrier (2) for closing a gateway in the enclosure, and a hinge (1) to which the barrier (2) is connected which allows the gate to open and close when a vehicle pushes past the barrier (2), the hinge (1) consisting of a first tube (4) connected to the barrier (2) and a second tube (3) telescopically engaged with the first tube (4) and for securing the hinge (1) to a rigid object, the first and second tubes (3, 4) further including cam surfaces (8) whereby rotation of the tubes (3, 4) relative to each other when the barrier (2) is opened and closed causes the first tube (4) to rise and fall axially of the second tube (3), a tension spring (11) within the tubes (3, 4) serving to urge said cam surfaces into engagement and close the gate.