Modular Gate Post Frame to Prevent Plate Sideways Slipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gate posts lack modularity and structural integrity, requiring multiple designs for support and free gate posts, leading to increased stock requirements and potential structural failure due to sideways slipping of plates.
Innovation Solution
A unified bearing frame design with integrally formed plates and retention grooves for secure fastening, using extruded or folded metal plates with flanges and retention grooves to enhance rigidity and prevent slipping, allowing for both support and free gate post functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate designs are used for support gate posts and free gate posts, then each gate post can be optimized for its specific function, but manufacturers must maintain large stock of various gate post designs
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing frame is designed with a universal structure that can function both as a support gate post (with gate support capability) and as a free gate post (without gate support). The frame includes mounting provisions for gate support components while also providing mounting locations for functional components like parcel boxes and access control devices, allowing a single design to serve multiple purposes
2Ease of operation
If areas of front and back plates are removed to provide space for parcel box, then access to parcel box is improved, but the bearing frame becomes susceptible to sideways slipping
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing plate areas completely, the design provides access to the parcel box through the front and back plates while maintaining the structural integrity of the plates in the lateral direction. The plates retain their full lateral extent for structural stability while access is achieved through openings or removable sections that do not compromise the overall rigidity against sideways slipping
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual plates are used to create free area for functional components, then modularity is improved, but sideways slipping of plates occurs leading to potential breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The front plate and back plate are designed as continuous, unbroken structural elements that span the entire height of the bearing frame. This merging of plate sections maintains structural integrity and prevents sideways slipping, while the plates still provide mounting surfaces for multiple functional components through integrated mounting provisions and access openings
Data Source
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AI summary
A gate post extending in an upright direction and comprising a bearing frame (10) for supporting a gate. The bearing frame comprises: a gate facing side plate (6) and a free side plate (7) each having a front fastening rib (11) and a back fastening rib (12); and a front plate (8) and a back plate (9) which are fixed to the side plates by means of the fastening ribs. Tor each plate, there exists a hypothetical plate segment extending in the upright direction uninterruptedly between the bottom end and the top end of the respective plate. This avoids that there are free areas that divide one of the plates into multiple individual elements which could negatively affect the rigidity of the bearing frame.