Modular Rail Carrier Segments for Gate Drive Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gate drive systems have rail supports that are difficult to handle, assemble, and transport due to their solid and lengthy nature, making them cumbersome and complex.

Innovation Solution

The rail support is designed as modular units with multiple carrier segments connected via clamp connections and sliding blocks, allowing for easier assembly and transportation, and enabling a stable and secure fixation of the segments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the rail support is designed as a single solid component, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of handling and transportation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidease of handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rail support is divided into multiple individual support segments that can be transported and handled separately. Each segment contains guide rails for the guide means. The segments are connected via connecting elements with clamping connections to form the complete rail support structure, combining the benefits of modular handling with stable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the rail support is designed as a single solid component, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of installation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rail support is segmented into multiple support segments that can be manufactured and transported independently. The segments are installed separately and connected using connecting elements with clamping connections, simplifying the installation process while maintaining structural integrity through the stable clamping joints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting elements feature a dynamic clamping mechanism where T-nuts can be positioned along the rail during installation, then clamped securely when the screw connections are tightened. This allows for flexible positioning during installation followed by a stable fixed connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the rail support is designed as a single solid component, then the connection stability is improved, but the transportation complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidtransportation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rail support is divided into multiple support segments that can be packaged separately, reducing transportation complexity. Each segment contains the necessary guide rails and can be handled as a smaller, more manageable unit. The segments are reassembled on-site using connecting elements with clamping connections to restore the complete stable structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4464866A1Door drive system
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 SOMMER ANTRIEBS & FUNKTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP4464866A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4464866A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4464866A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a gate drive system (1) with a drive (5) which is coupled to a gate via guide elements guided in a rail carrier (4), so that the gate can be moved between a closed position and an open position by means of the drive (5). The rail carrier (4) is multi-part and has several carrier segments (12). The adjacent carrier segments (12) can be connected by clamping connections to connecting elements (13) guided in rails (14).