Lift Gate Apparatus with Pivoting Bracket for Conveyor Maintenance Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional conveyor systems often face challenges in accessibility during maintenance due to space constraints, where one conveyor system may block pathways to others, making it difficult for operators or material handling vehicles to access all zones efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A lift gate apparatus with a movable conveyor device that transitions between conveying and non-conveying positions, featuring a bracket that pivots and slides over a fixed conveyor device to bridge gaps, a lifting mechanism with gas springs, and a locking mechanism to secure positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conveyor systems are arranged in confined spaces to maximize space utilization, then space efficiency is improved, but accessibility for maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the conveyor section movable rather than fixed. The conveyor section can be repositioned between a first position (for normal operation) and a second position (for maintenance access), transforming a static space utilization problem into a dynamic solution that adapts to different operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent resolves the accessibility issue by moving the conveyor section in a vertical dimension (up and down between positions) rather than only in the horizontal plane. This dimensional change allows maintenance personnel to access previously blocked areas without compromising horizontal space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a movable conveyor device is introduced to improve accessibility, then maintenance access is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidconveyor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the conveyor system into a fixed conveyor section and a movable conveyor section. This modular approach allows the movable section to be independently repositioned for maintenance access while the fixed section remains operational, reducing overall system complexity through functional separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable conveyor section serves multiple functions: it acts as a normal conveyor during operation and as an access gate during maintenance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate maintenance access mechanisms, thereby minimizing added complexity while improving accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the movable conveyor device transitions between positions frequently, then accessibility flexibility is improved, but mechanical wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition flexibilityVSAvoidmechanical durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a bracket with rollers that engage with the fixed conveyor section during position transitions. This mechanism cushions the mechanical impact and reduces wear on the movable conveyor device and its supporting structures, thereby protecting against premature failure from frequent transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket acts as an intermediary element between the movable conveyor device and the fixed conveyor section. It facilitates smooth transitions by providing a guided path with rollers, reducing direct mechanical contact and wear on critical components while enabling flexible position changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 lift gate apparatus creates an unobstructed pathway for operators and material handling vehicles, enhances safety by minimizing the risk of collision and slamming, and allows for easy retrofitting into existing conveyor systems without compromising operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The lifting mechanism comprises a handle and a pair of gas springs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas spring:

Implementation Method 2

the bracket pivots and slides over the fixed conveyor device when the movable conveyor device is transitioned from the conveying position to the non-conveying position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12240705B2Lift gate apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS LLC

AI summary

A lift gate apparatus includes a movable conveyor device and a bracket. The movable conveyor device is configured to transition between a conveying position and a non-conveying position. The bracket configured to bridge a gap between the movable conveyor device and a fixed conveyor device, wherein the bracket pivots and slides over the fixed conveyor device when the movable conveyor device is transitioned from the conveying position to the non-conveying position.