Linear Actuator Barrier Assembly for Secure Press-Fit Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety gates face challenges in ease of installation and connection strength, which are critical for securing barriers effectively, particularly in preventing child and pet access to unsafe areas.

Innovation Solution

The development of a barrier assembly with linear actuator extensions that include a base housing, driving member with a threaded lead screw, worm gear, and worm, allowing for easy installation and secure fixation by press-fitting against surfaces, with configurations such as gear rack and pinion or worm systems to prevent movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional safety gate mounting methods are used, then installation is simple, but connection strength is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a mounting bracket with press-fit anchors for wall attachment, and a linear actuator extension with separate mounting plates for gate attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the anchors provide strong wall connection while the mounting plates enable easy gate attachment and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The linear actuator extension includes pre-positioned mounting plates and adjustment mechanisms that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows installers to simply attach the pre-configured mounting components to the gate and wall without complex assembly steps, significantly easing installation while maintaining strong connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If the barrier assembly uses a secure fixation mechanism, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linear actuator extension incorporates self-aligning mounting plates with pre-drilled holes and self-positioning features that automatically align with corresponding wall openings during installation. The press-fit anchors self-expand upon insertion to create secure fixation without requiring additional fastening operations, reducing complexity while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting function is merged with the linear actuator extension structure itself. The mounting plates are integrated into the actuator housing, and the press-fit anchors are incorporated as part of the mounting assembly rather than separate components. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall installation process while providing secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 linear actuator extensions provide a secure and easy-to-install solution for safety gates, ensuring effective prevention of unauthorized access by distributing pressure and withstanding internal compression forces, thus enhancing safety and usability.

Implementation Method 1

a base housing, a driven member, and a driving member disposed between the base housing and the driven member. The driving member includes a threaded lead screw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The driving member includes a threaded lead screw, a worm gear, a worm, and a driving surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm drive: Worm Drive

Data Source

PatentEP3262264B1A barrier assembly comprising a linear actuator extension
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 MUNCHKIN INC
  • EP3262264B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3262264B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3262264B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A linear actuator extension assembly having a base housing, a driving member and a driven member having a housing. The driving member has a driving surface and a threaded lead screw disposed within the base housing. The driving surface is rotated about a first axis to actuate the threaded lead screw, thereby rotating the threaded lead screw about a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis. The rotation of the threaded lead screw translates the driven member housing relative to the base housing.