Electric Strand Gate Hoisting Rail for Vehicle Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric fencing gates with electric strands are inconvenient to open and close, particularly for vehicles, due to the need for manual operation or swing gates.
Innovation Solution
An electric strand gate with an actuator that automatically hoists electric strands along a hoisting rail from a closed to an open position, providing clearance for passage of livestock and vehicles, and can be remotely controlled, with shuttles traveling along the rail to adjust strand spacing and electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation or swing gates are used for electric fencing, then the gate structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenience for vehicles and livestock passage
Solution Approach 1:
The gate system transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where electric strands can be automatically raised and lowered along vertical rails. The strands move vertically to create clearance for vehicle passage while maintaining the fence barrier function, enabling automated operation without manual intervention or complex swing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical swing gate operations with an automated electrical system. Motors raise and lower the electric strands along vertical rails, substituting manual mechanical operation with automated electrical control, thereby improving ease of operation while managing complexity through integration
2Ease of operation
If electric strands are moved up to provide clearance for passage, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential loss of fence integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The electric strands dynamically adjust their position between closed (providing full barrier integrity) and open (providing clearance for passage) states. This dynamic positioning allows the system to maintain reliability when closed while enabling operation when open, with automated control ensuring proper positioning in each state
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that monitor the position and state of electric strands. Feedback loops ensure strands are properly raised or lowered, maintaining fence integrity when closed and enabling passage when open, thereby resolving the reliability concern through active monitoring and control
3Reliability
If multiple electric strands are used to maintain full fence height, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity worsens due to need for coordinated movement and spacing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The gate system divides the electric fence into multiple independent strands that can be individually controlled. Each strand is mounted on separate carriages that travel independently along vertical rails, allowing segmented control where strands can be raised or lowered independently to coordinate spacing and maintain integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical rail system serves multiple functions: it guides strand movement, provides structural support, enables coordinated spacing adjustment, and facilitates both raising and lowering operations. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple requirements into a single integrated structure
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric strand gate has at least one electric strand thereacross. The gate comprises an actuator which moves the electric strand up along a hoisting rail from a closed position to an open position, thereby providing clearance thereunderneath for passage of livestock, vehicles and or the like through the gate. The gate may have shuttles travelling along the hoisting rail, each of which is connected to a respective electric strand. The rail and shuttles may be configured so that electric strands are closer together when in the open position, thereby maximising clearance thereunderneath whilst moving apart in the closed position, so as to maintain the full height of the electric fence. The shuttles and the rail may be further configured so that the electric strands are electrically disconnected in the open position.