Gate Block Hardware With Friction-Fit Hold-Open Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for keeping a horizontally swingable door open, such as using wedges or screwdrivers, are unstable and can cause damage to the gate or structure, lacking a secure and efficient mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A two-part connecting hardware system using a wood block with a smooth bolt and receiving tool, employing a friction fit to securely hold the gate open by positioning the block between the gate and structure, utilizing a smooth bolt and receiving cavity for a secure, non-threaded connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional door stops or wedge blocks are used to keep the gate open, then the gate can be held open, but the method is unstable and may cause damage to the gate or structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized block with receiving cavity and curved cupped features as an intermediary device between the gate and structure. This mediator distributes forces evenly and provides stable contact points, eliminating the need for unstable wedges or screwdrivers that damage surfaces. The block acts as a dedicated holding mechanism that protects both the gate and structure from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the holding device by incorporating specific curved cupped features and a receiving cavity. These parameter changes create optimal contact surfaces and force distribution, transforming the holding mechanism from unstable to reliable. The curved geometry allows for self-centering and even force application, preventing damage.
2Strength
If threaded connections are used to secure the block, then the connection is strong, but the installation and removal process is time-consuming and may damage the wood
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical connection system with a friction fit system. Instead of using threads that require winding and unwinding, the smooth bolt relies on friction between its surface and the receiving cavity walls. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming threading operation while maintaining strong connection through properly designed friction surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the connection mechanism from threaded to friction-based by modifying surface parameters. The receiving cavity is designed with specific dimensional parameters that create optimal friction contact with the smooth bolt. This parameter optimization provides sufficient holding strength without requiring threads, enabling quick installation and removal.
3Device complexity
If a simple wood block is used without specialized hardware, then the device is simple, but it lacks secure positioning and may shift or fall out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the holding device into distinct functional components: a block body, a receiving cavity, and curved cupped features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the block provides structure, the cavity receives the bolt, and the cupped features provide positioning and retention. This modular segmentation achieves reliable positioning without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The smooth bolt acts as an intermediary element that connects the block to the structure. This mediator component translates the simple wood block into a securely positioned device by providing a dedicated connection interface. The bolt's presence enables reliable positioning without requiring the wood block itself to be complex.
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
Provides a stable and damage-free method to keep a gate open, allowing easy application and removal without damaging the gate or structure, utilizing a friction fit mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A key component of this method is the connecting tools, which uses a 'friction fit' rather than a threaded connection to hold the block in place
Data Source
AI summary
A method when a spring loaded, or non-spring loaded gate is opened, a wood block is placed into the right angled space created between the vertically hinged open gate's end piece which is attached to the fence or other structure to which the gate is attached end piece, the block held in place by a smooth bolt on a connecting tool, which is held in the block with a curved cupped features that extend from the connecting tool, and inserted with a friction fit into a receiving cavity of a receiving tool, consisting of a receiving cavity on one end and curved cupped features that extend outward from the receiving tool, which is installed on the end piece of the fence or other structures on which the rotating piece of the hinge is connected, the two part hardware fastening device comprises a receiving tool and a connecting tool.