Lift Gate System with Internal Hydraulic Operator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lift gate systems for parking garages are difficult and time-consuming to install, pose safety risks due to heavy components, require complex alignment of tracks, and often must open in a single direction, which complicates installation and security.
Innovation Solution
A lift gate system featuring a hydraulic operator with a rotatable mount, lever assembly, and adjustable compression spring, along with pre-aligned tracks and a motorized gear assembly, allowing for easy installation, safe operation, and bidirectional opening while concealing the operator inside the garage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a spring loaded arm assembly is used to reduce lifting force, then the force required to raise the gate is reduced, but the installation becomes difficult and dangerous due to the need to stretch the spring assembly onto the heavy gate
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly is pre-attached to the arm mechanism before installation onto the gate. This preliminary action eliminates the need to stretch or manipulate the spring assembly during installation, making the process safer and easier while maintaining the force-reducing function of the spring-loaded mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary attachment mechanism that connects the spring assembly to the arm in a controlled manner during installation. This intermediary structure allows the spring assembly to be installed without direct manual stretching, reducing the risk of injury while preserving the mechanical advantage provided by the spring
2Reliability
If the operator is positioned inside the parking garage to prevent tampering, then security is improved, but the gate must open in a single direction requiring extra clearance space
Solution Approach 1:
The operator mechanism is segmented into modular components that can be distributed between the interior and exterior of the garage structure. This segmentation allows the operator to control the gate bidirectionally while maintaining secure positioning of critical components inside the garage, eliminating the need for single-direction operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-direction opening constraint to bidirectional operation by adding dimensional flexibility to the operator's control range. The operator is positioned to control the gate along multiple axes, allowing opening in either direction while maintaining interior positioning for security
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom designed gates and lift systems are used to fit various entrance sizes, then the system adapts to different openings, but the installation time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The lift system employs universal mounting components and standardized connection interfaces that can accommodate various entrance opening sizes. This universality allows a single system design to be installed across different applications without requiring extensive custom fabrication, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining adaptability to various gate configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pre-configured mounting brackets, alignment features, and standardized hardware that are prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site customization and alignment work, enabling rapid installation while preserving the ability to fit various entrance dimensions
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 system significantly reduces installation time and effort, enhances safety by simplifying the installation process, ensures proper alignment, and allows for bidirectional operation while maintaining operator concealment, thus addressing the challenges of current systems.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic operator may include a hydraulic cylinder configured to extend and retract for raising and lowering the gate
Implementation Method 2
The hydraulic operator may further include a compression spring
Implementation Method 3
The internal operator may include a motor and a gear assembly linked to the motor and connected to the gate
Data Source
AI summary
A lift gate system includes a gate, a first pole, a second pole, a header and an internal operator. The first pole is configured to attach to the ground on one side of the gate and includes a first track attached approximate to a first top. The second pole is configured to attach to the ground on the opposite side of the gate from the first pole and includes a second track attached approximate to a second top. The header interconnects the first top with the second top. The internal operator is configured for lifting the gate, where the internal operator is inside the first pole, the second pole, and/or the header.