Hinged Gate Crossbar for Compact Transport and Integrated Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gates installed outside buildings have large dimensions, making storage and transportation cumbersome, and require complex installation processes, including embedding an electronic control unit, which increases labor and installation costs.

Innovation Solution

A gate with a 'U'-shaped support frame featuring a hinge-connected bottom crossbar that folds for reduced dimensions during transport and an integrated electronic control unit within the vertical uprights, allowing for easy assembly and DIY installation by embedding the frame in the ground and connecting power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the bottom crossbar is made as a single rigid piece, then the gate structure is simple and strong, but the gate cannot be folded for compact storage and transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidcrossbar structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom crossbar is divided into two separate portions (first portion and second portion) that can be folded relative to each other. This segmentation allows the gate to be collapsed into a compact configuration for storage and transport, while still maintaining structural integrity when deployed. The two portions are connected through the hinge mechanism that integrates with the uprights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the electronic control unit is installed separately at the site, then the gate components can be manufactured independently, but the installation process becomes complex and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control unit is integrated into the gate structure itself, specifically housed within one of the uprights. This merging of the control unit with the structural component eliminates the need for separate installation of the control unit at the site. The control unit is pre-installed and protected within the upright during manufacturing, simplifying on-site installation to only requiring assembly of the gate components and connection to power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If the uprights are fixed perpendicular to the crossbar, then the gate provides optimal structural support, but the gate cannot be folded for compact transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport volumeVSAvoidstructural support
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The uprights are designed to be rotatable relative to the crossbar portions through hinge connections. This dynamic capability allows the uprights to be positioned at different angles: perpendicular to the crossbar for optimal structural support during operation, and parallel to the crossbar for compact folding during transport. The hinge mechanism enables smooth transition between these configurations while maintaining structural integrity in both states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution enables easy storage, transportation, and reduced installation costs, as the gate can be installed by the end user with minimal specialized labor, with all necessary components pre-fitted, including the control unit, photocells, and camera, simplifying the installation process.

Implementation Method 1

said hinge being connected to the upper surface of said first portion and allowing said second portion to rotate relative to said first portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP2154327B1Gate of an improved type
Publication Date: 2011.05.25 F LLI MANNORI DI MANNORI SIMONE E MARCO
  • EP2154327B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2154327B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2154327B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

The gate of an improved type comprises a support frame (2) substantially "U"-shaped and having a horizontal crossbar (4) and two vertical uprights (8 and 11) and at least one closing door (3). The main characteristic of the present invention consists of the fact that, in use, the crossbar (4) is defined by two co-axial portions (5 and 6) connected by means of a first hinge (7) which allows said crossbar (4) to be folded up during its transport.