Gate Hinge Pin Assembly with L-Shaped Threaded Rod and Metal Strap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy wooden gates cause strain on hinges and posts due to their weight, leading to bending, hole expansion, and loosening of threaded hinge pins, resulting in gate sagging or falling.
Innovation Solution
A two-part gate hinge design featuring a threaded hinge pin with a bendable metal strap welded between the shank and neck, providing lateral support to prevent rotation and twisting, combined with a loop member attached to the gate and screws or lag bolts for additional bracing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded hinge pin is used to support a heavy gate, then the gate can be securely attached to the post, but the hinge pin becomes loose over time due to rotation and hole expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing lateral support to the threaded hinge pin through the loop member and post before the pin can rotate or become loose. The loop member engages with the pin and prevents lateral movement, while the post provides additional bracing, thereby preventing the harmful effects of rotation and hole expansion before they occur during gate operation.
2Ease of operation
If a heavy wooden gate is supported by traditional hinges, then the gate can function, but the hinges and posts experience severe strain leading to bending and loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating structural reinforcement at critical locations where stress occurs. The loop member provides localized lateral support to the hinge pin, and the post offers localized bracing, rather than requiring reinforcement throughout the entire hinge assembly. This targeted approach strengthens the vulnerable points without adding excessive weight or complexity to the entire structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the hinge pin is threaded into the post, then the gate can be attached, but the holes in the post expand and the pins become loose over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing lateral support to the threaded hinge pin through the loop member and post before the pin can rotate or become loose. The loop member engages with the pin and prevents lateral movement, while the post provides additional bracing, thereby preventing the harmful effects of rotation and hole expansion before they occur during gate operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A gate hinge for a preferably wooden post which includes an L-shaped rod threaded on one leg with a metal strap rigidly connected to the threaded leg at about one and one half inches from the elbow of the rod on the threaded leg. The metal strap extends six or so inches form each side of the L-shaped rod with two or more holes near each end of the strap. The L-shaped rod is threaded into the post until the metal strap contacts the post. Then each leg of the metal bracket is bent around the post and screws or lag bolts are threaded through the holes and into the post to help secure the hinge to the post and to provide added support for the gate.