Segmented Guide Rail Gate System for Wide Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wide gate or window openings in buildings often require disruptive guide rails that limit the effective width of the opening, posing challenges for ecological and safety considerations, especially in large spaces like garages or hangars where maximum vehicle or aircraft width is restricted by the guide rail distance rather than the building opening width.
Innovation Solution
A gate system with vertically or horizontally movable and pivoting surface elements guided by segmented outer and intermediate guides that can be suspended from a supporting structure, allowing for a stable and secure closure while minimizing the presence of guide rails during opening, enabling a full or partial opening without obstructing the width, and incorporating features like telescopic rail configurations and locking mechanisms for enhanced stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple adjacent gates or shutters are installed to protect wide openings, then safety and ecological benefits are improved, but the effective width of the opening is restricted by guide rails
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail system is divided into multiple movable guide segments that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the guide structure to be reconfigured during opening operations, enabling gates to move along discrete segments rather than continuous fixed rails, thereby clearing the central opening area while maintaining guidance functionality at the edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail system transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic movable one. The guide segments can change their positions vertically and horizontally during operation, allowing them to move out of the way when gates are fully or partially open, thus eliminating the restriction on effective opening width while still providing guidance when needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed guide rails are used to guide gate movement, then gate stability is improved, but the opening width is limited by the guide rail position
Solution Approach 1:
The guide system employs movable guide segments that can dynamically adjust their positions. During gate closing operations, the guides are positioned to provide stable guidance; during opening operations, the guides can move to clear the opening area, thus maintaining both stability and maximum opening width.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous guide rail is segmented into multiple independent movable sections. This allows different segments to be positioned at different locations vertically and horizontally, enabling the system to provide guidance where needed while leaving the central opening area clear for maximum width access.
3Ease of operation
If guide rails are positioned to accommodate gate movement, then gate operation is enabled, but the maneuvering area for vehicles or aircraft is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide segments are designed to move dynamically during gate operations. When gates are opening or closing, the guides are positioned to enable smooth operation; when the opening is fully clear, the guides can be repositioned to minimize their impact on the maneuvering area, thus enabling gate operation while maximizing vehicle or aircraft access space.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the guide system into movable segments, the guides can be positioned precisely where needed for gate operation and then retracted or repositioned to clear the maneuvering area, reducing the permanent footprint of the guide structure on the available space.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a (gate, lifting, folding, or rolling) system (1, 10) comprising at least one vertically or vertically/horizontally movable surface element (2) for closing a gate or building opening and a guide arrangement for guiding the surface element (2) during a vertical movement of the surface element (2). The surface element (2) is formed in multiple parts and comprises a first and at least one further, in particular a second, surface segment (3). The first and the further, in particular second, surface segment (3) are arranged horizontally next to each other. The guide arrangement comprises two outer guides (12) and at least one intermediate guide (4), wherein the outer guide (12) is arranged laterally on the outer sides of the surface element (3) and the intermediate guide (4) is located between the first surface segment (3) and the adjacent further, in particular second, surface segment (3).The outer guide (12) and/or the intermediate guide (4) is formed in multiple parts and comprises at least two, in particular several, guide segments (5). The guide segments (5) of the outer guide (12) and/or the intermediate guide (4) are vertically movable, at least in sections.