Modular Swing Gate with Reversible Plate for Dual-Direction Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing swing gates lack flexibility in orientation and configuration, particularly when reversing the plate-shaped element, which can result in undesirable changes in the front and back sides' orientation, limiting their adaptability for different opening directions.

Innovation Solution

A modular swing gate design featuring a plate-shaped element with offset projections and holes that allow it to be reversibly attached to columns, enabling the plate-shaped element to face either the same direction as the columns' front sides or have its back side aligned with them, along with a 3D wire mesh for added rigidity and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the plate-shaped element is rigidly attached to the columns through welding, then the rigidity and strength of the swing gate is improved, but the adaptability for different opening directions and the ease of assembly/disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverigidityVSAvoidadaptability for different opening directions

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The swing gate is divided into separate modular components: columns, plate-shaped element, crossbar, and connecting elements. These segments can be assembled and disassembled independently, allowing the gate to be configured for different opening directions without welding, while maintaining structural rigidity through the modular connection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from a static welded joint to a dynamic, adjustable connection using the crossbar and connecting elements. This allows the plate-shaped element to be repositioned and reconfigured for different opening directions (clockwise or anti-clockwise) while maintaining secure attachment during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If the plate-shaped element is rigidly attached to the columns through welding, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidease of assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The gate components are manufactured separately as discrete segments (columns, plate-shaped element, crossbar) that can be produced independently through simpler manufacturing processes, avoiding complex welding operations while maintaining structural integrity through the designed connection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The crossbar and connecting elements serve as intermediaries between the columns and the plate-shaped element. These intermediary components facilitate easy assembly and disassembly while transmitting structural loads, replacing the need for direct welding between major components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If the plate-shaped element is made with front and back sides that differ, then the aesthetic appearance and functionality are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is designed with universal symmetry, allowing the plate-shaped element to be installed in either orientation (front side or back side facing outward) while maintaining proper functionality. The columns and connecting elements are configured to accommodate both orientations, eliminating the need for separate left-handed and right-handed gate configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the plate-shaped element is made reversible with offset projections and holes, then the adaptability for different orientations is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveorientabilityVSAvoidprecision of offset projections and holes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Offset projections and corresponding holes are introduced as asymmetric features on the plate-shaped element and columns. These asymmetric elements provide precise alignment and positioning when assembled, enabling the reversible configuration while maintaining manufacturability through standard precision machining or forming processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3981943B1A swing gate and a kit of parts

Publication Date: 2023.09.27 UNITED BUSINESS CARE

Figure 1
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AI summary

A swing gate (1) comprises a first column (4) including a front side (5), a back side (6) and a handle (7) or a handle receiving portion for accommodating a handle (7), a second column (8) including a front side (9), a back side (10) and a hinge (11) or a hinge receiving portion for accommodating a hinge (11), and a rigid plate-shaped element (12) extending in a main plane (P1) and including a front side (13) and a back side (14). The plate-shaped element (12) extends between the first column (4) and the second column (8). The swing gate is a modular swing gate (1). The front side (13) of the plate-shaped element is different from its back side (14). The plate-shaped element (12) is releasably attached to the first column (4) and the second column (8) such that either the front sides (5, 9, 13) of the first column (4), the second column (8) and the plate-shaped element (12) face in the same direction or the front sides (5, 9) of the first and second columns (4, 8) and the back side (14) of the plate-shaped element (12) face in the same direction.