Adjustable Template for Gate Foundation Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of traditional gates is lengthy and expensive due to the need for skilled masonry to create precise foundation footings for masonry or metal pillars, which increases labor costs and time.
Innovation Solution
A template with parallel plates and a telescopic connecting bar, allowing for easy adjustment and use with different gate dimensions, facilitates the quick and inexpensive installation of gate foundations by non-masonry personnel, using removable threaded rods and wooden cleats for leveling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional masonry pillars and foundation footings are used, then the gate installation is structurally sound and stable, but the installation process is lengthy and expensive requiring skilled masonry
Solution Approach 1:
The template is a pre-assembled device that incorporates all necessary positioning elements (plates, connecting bars, threaded rod receptacles) before installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site masonry work and allows direct installation of the gate foundation, resolving the contradiction between structural reliability and installation time
Solution Approach 2:
The template acts as an intermediary device between the ground and the gate foundation. It provides a pre-fabricated framework that mediates the complex masonry process by offering ready-made positioning elements, thereby maintaining structural integrity while dramatically reducing installation time and skill requirements
2Strength
If traditional masonry pillars are used, then the gate structure is stable and load-bearing, but skilled masonry labor is required which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The template is divided into separate modular components (parallel plates, connecting bars, shoes) that can be easily assembled and positioned. This segmentation maintains the load-bearing capacity through proper structural design while making the installation process simple enough for non-masonry personnel, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The template replicates the essential positioning and support functions of traditional masonry pillars using simpler, pre-fabricated metal components. Instead of copying the complex masonry construction process, it copies only the critical geometric and structural relationships, thereby maintaining load-bearing capacity while dramatically simplifying installation
3Productivity
If metal posts with foundation plates are used, then installation time is reduced compared to masonry, but a foundation footing is still required which needs precise dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The template is designed to be self-positioning and self-aligning through its geometric features (parallel plates, connecting bars, shoes). When placed on the excavations, the template automatically establishes the correct positioning and orientation without requiring precise pre-measurement or skilled adjustment, thereby maintaining installation speed while eliminating the need for precise footing dimensions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a template for fitting a doorway, a portal frame or the like, characterized in that it is made up of at least two parallel mounting plates (1) extending at each of the free ends of a connecting bar (2), said mounting plates (1) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting bar (2) and comprising means capable of removably accepting threaded rods (3), each mounting plate (1) being fixed to the free end of the connecting bar (2) by means of a shoe (4) so that said mounting plates (1) extend below said connecting bar (2).