Retractable Flexible Gate Spool Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional residential gates occupy space whether they are open or closed, as they require physical space to swing in or out, which can be a challenge in space-limited environments.
Innovation Solution
A retractable flexible gate apparatus with a flexible barrier that can be manually pulled out and automatically retracted, utilizing a spool mechanism with a coil spring to facilitate easy deployment and storage, allowing the gate to effectively disappear when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard residential gate with metal, plastic, or wooden parts is used that swings into or out of the passageway, then the gate provides barrier functionality, but the gate occupies space whether open or closed
Solution Approach 1:
The gate transitions from a static swinging mechanism to a dynamic retractable system. The flexible barrier can be pulled out to extend across the passageway and automatically retracts to roll up onto the spool, changing its spatial configuration from extended to compact based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible barrier is nested within the spool mechanism when not in use. The barrier rolls up and stores within the cylindrical spool structure, similar to nested dolls, allowing the gate to occupy minimal space when retracted while maintaining full functionality when extended.
2Ease of operation
If a retractable mechanism with coil spring is used to automatically retract the flexible barrier, then the gate can be manually pulled out and automatically retracted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring provides self-service by automatically retracting the flexible barrier without requiring external power sources, motors, or complex control systems. The elastic potential energy stored in the coil spring during extension automatically drives the retraction process, making the system self-powered and simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex power transmission and control systems typically found in automated gates are extracted and replaced with a simple coil spring mechanism. This extraction of unnecessary complexity leaves only the essential retractable function, achieving automatic operation with minimal mechanical components.
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 retractable flexible gate apparatus efficiently utilizes space by allowing the gate to be rolled up and stored when not in use, providing a space-saving solution while maintaining functionality and safety features such as locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring wound about the first nonrotatable support member and being fixedly engaged to the upper end portion of the first nonrotatable support member and fixedly engaged to the lower cap of the spool portion
Implementation Method 2
the flexible barrier in the retracted form is rolled up about the spool portion
Data Source
AI summary
A manually pullable out and automatically retractable flexible barrier apparatus for engagement between first and second surfaces having a base that includes a foot, a head, and a spool portion between the foot and the head that spools in and spools out the flexible barrier. A coil spring is wound about a nonrotatable support tube in the spool, is fixed to the top of the nonrotatable support tube, and is further fixed to a lower cap in the spool that rotates with the spool. An upper cap in the spool, rotating with the spool, is lockable and unlockable to a rotating control knob in the head.