Fan-Out Gate Retracting Into Hollow Column

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gates and windows face issues such as space occupancy during opening, compatibility with sloping access roads, end-of-stroke obstacles, and complex motor drive installations, leading to increased production costs and installation challenges.

Innovation Solution

A fan-type gate or window system with a hollow structure that allows the door to retract into a column, eliminating the need for sliding guides and accommodating sloping installations, integrated drive mechanisms, and synchronized movement to avoid end-of-stroke issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional hinged gates are used, then the gate can open and close, but it occupies space outside the passage opening when opened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegate openingVSAvoidspace occupied
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The gate door is nested within the hollow column structure when opened. The column acts as a container that receives and stores the door panel, eliminating the need for the door to occupy external space during the open state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The gate transitions from a planar hinged motion to a three-dimensional fan-out motion where multiple panels rotate around a central vertical axis, allowing the door to be compacted into the column volume rather than extending outward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional gates are installed on sloping access roads, then the gate can be installed, but constructive complications increase production costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation on sloping groundVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The gate structure incorporates adjustable and adaptable components that can be configured to match various ground slopes. The hollow column and fan-out mechanism allow the gate to dynamically adapt to different installation conditions without requiring complex custom construction for each slope variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If conventional gates are used, then the gate can function, but the end of stroke position creates an obstacle to passage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegate closingVSAvoidend-of-stroke obstacle
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The door panels are nested within the hollow column when fully opened, and the fan-out mechanism ensures that when closed, the panels align flush with the column exterior, eliminating protruding elements that could obstruct passage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Extent of automation

If motor drive is applied to traditional gates after installation, then automation is achieved, but installation time increases and compatibility issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotorized operationVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow column structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the drive mechanism, and accommodates the door panels. This integrated design allows the motor drive to be installed within the column during initial construction, eliminating the need for separate post-installation motor attachment and avoiding compatibility issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2900892B1Gate with fan out opening system
Publication Date: 2016.12.07 TRINCIARELLI NELLO
  • EP2900892B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2900892B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2900892B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

In the opening phase the problem which often arises with gates and window frames is the space they occupy, whether they have hinged doors, whether it be of sliding doors in horizontal or vertical direction. The invention applied to gates and windows consists of a system of opening as a hand fan that makes disappear the doors in a minimum of space such that they can be integrated in the column of a gate or in the section of a wall.