Gate Drive Housing Pivoting for Balancing Force Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sectional door systems require time-consuming and costly dismantling of the drive to check and adjust the balancing force, leading to increased wear and potential safety issues due to inadequate balancing force compensation.

Innovation Solution

A fastening means with a detachable transmission mechanism allows the drive housing to pivot relative to the fastening means, enabling the measurement of balancing force deviations without disassembly, using a display scale to indicate necessary corrections, thus allowing for efficient checking and adjustment of the balancing force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the drive unit is dismantled to check the balancing force, then the balancing force can be verified, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebalancing force verificationVSAvoidchecking time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The drive housing is segmented from the fastening means through a detachable transmission means, allowing the drive housing to be independently positioned for measurement while remaining functionally connected. This segmentation enables the balancing force verification to be performed without complete dismantling of the drive unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A scale is introduced as an intermediary measurement tool between the drive housing position and the balancing force assessment. The scale provides a direct visual indication of the balancing force status based on the drive housing's angular position, eliminating the need for complex dismantling procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a release mechanism is added to the drive unit, then the balancing force can be checked without dismantling, but the sales price increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebalancing force check accessibilityVSAvoiddrive unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detachable transmission means serves multiple functions: it transmits driving forces during normal operation and enables the drive housing to pivot for balancing force verification. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate release mechanism, maintaining ease of operation while avoiding additional complexity and cost.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission means transitions from a rigid force-transmission state during operation to a detachable state that allows dynamic positioning of the drive housing. This dynamic capability enables balancing force checks without requiring complex release mechanisms, as the same transmission means facilitates both operational and measurement modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the transmission means is detachable, then the drive housing can pivot for measurement, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accessibilityVSAvoidfastening means complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening means is segmented into distinct components (fastening bracket, transmission means with pin and slot) that can be independently positioned and assembled. This segmentation allows the transmission means to be detachably connected while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as each component performs a specific function without requiring complex integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables the checking and adjustment of the balancing force with minimal equipment and assembly effort, eliminating the need for complex dismantling and unlocking devices, thereby reducing maintenance costs and ensuring proper balancing without compromising the door's operation.

Implementation Method 1

the drive housing can be deflected relative to the fastening means from a normal position, in particular about a pivot axis parallel to a gate shaft associated with the gate drive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2789778B8Gate with fastening means for a gate drive, method for detecting a difference between the weight of a gate and a counterbalance force and method for mechanically adjusting a means for counterbalancing the weight of a gate
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 GFA ELEKTROMATEN

AI summary

The invention relates to a gate (1), in particular a sectional gate, with a gate drive (2) comprising a drive housing (3). The gate (1) can be fastened in a gate frame (7), a gate jamb, or in a building wall accommodating the gate by means of at least one fastening element (8). To counteract the weight force acting on the gate (1), the gate (1) can be subjected to a counterbalancing force. The fastening element (8) is suitable for absorbing forces and/or moments from the gate drive (2) and/or the gate (1). A transmission element (10) arranged on the drive housing (3) is provided for transmitting forces and moments and is detachably attached to the fastening element (8).The drive housing (3) can be deflected relative to the fastening means (8) from a normal position (18), in particular about a pivot axis running parallel to a gate shaft (4) associated with the gate drive (2), as soon as the transmission means (10) is detached from the fastening means (8).