Retractable Slatted Gate System for Space-Constrained Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sliding and swing gates require significant space for both open and closed positions, often obstructing valuable installation space and parking areas due to their large radius and operational requirements.
Innovation Solution
A retractable gate system comprising individual slat elements that lower horizontally into a cassette, reducing the installation depth and allowing for a space-saving design, with a cable system and drive mechanism for easy operation and a sensor device for safety monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sliding or swing gates are used, then the gate can effectively block access, but a considerable amount of space is required for opening and closed positions
Solution Approach 1:
The gate transitions from horizontal movement (sliding) or arc movement (swinging) to vertical movement by lowering the gate panels into an underground cassette. This dimensional change from horizontal/rotational to vertical motion eliminates the need for lateral clearance and turning radius, resolving the space contradiction while maintaining the blocking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate panels are stored within an underground cassette when the gate is open, similar to nested dolls. The cassette is positioned below ground level, allowing the gate structure to be compact when not in use while maintaining full blocking capability when closed.
2Ease of operation
If a large radius is provided for opening very large gates, then the gate can be opened, but considerable space is demanded both when closed and when open
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the gate panels along a large horizontal arc, the panels are lowered vertically into the underground cassette. This vertical motion eliminates the need for lateral clearance and turning radius, allowing large gates to operate in confined spaces while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional approach moves the gate outward and upward for opening; this invention inverts the motion by moving the gate downward and storing it underground. This inversion eliminates the space requirements associated with traditional opening mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the installation depth of the cassette corresponds to the height of the entire gate, then the gate can be fully retracted, but the installation effort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is divided into multiple individual panels or slats that can be independently lowered and stored in the cassette. This segmentation allows the cassette depth to be reduced to accommodate only one panel at a time, rather than requiring depth equal to the entire gate height, thereby reducing installation effort while maintaining full retraction functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing the cassette to accommodate the entire gate height, the system uses partial action by processing one panel at a time through the cassette. The gate panels are lowered sequentially, with only one panel needing to fit within the cassette depth at any given moment, reducing the required installation depth.
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 system minimizes space requirements when open, maintains a low installation effort, and ensures reliable operation with automatic locking and safety features, allowing for efficient use of space and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a cable system (10) with at least one cable (12) and at least one pulley system (14, 16) connected to the at least one first slat element (6) and arranged in the guide elements (4, 5)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a door system (1) comprising a door (2) and two lateral guide elements (4, 5), wherein the door (2) comprises multiple slat elements (6) which are connected to one another and can be detached from one another, and which are arranged orthogonal to the guide elements (4, 5) and can be guided in the guide elements (4, 5), and a drive device (8) is provided for opening and/or closing the door (2), wherein the door (2) can be lowered and/or raised for opening and/or closing and can be lowered into a box (9) for opening, and the individual slat elements (6) are arranged next to one another inside the box (9) in an open state of the door (2). The drive device (8) is a cable pulley system (10) which can be driven by a horizontal drive spindle (11) and wherein a cable (12) of this pulley system (10) is connected to at least one slat element (6) in the vertical direction (V).