Slidable Gate Rack and Pinion Transmission System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional telescopic slidable gates are structurally complex and costly due to the need for pulleys, transmission ropes, and complex installation processes, which can lead to maintenance issues and incorrect panel positioning over time.

Innovation Solution

A telescopic slidable gate design featuring a direct mechanical connection between panels using a fixed rack and toothed wheels, eliminating the need for pulleys and ropes, with a simplified installation process and robust components for reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a transmission system with pulleys and ropes is used to connect slidable panels, then the gate can achieve telescopic movement, but the structural complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetelescopic movement capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex pulley and rope transmission system from the gate structure, replacing it with a direct rigid connection between panels. This extraction of unnecessary components eliminates structural complexity while preserving the telescopic movement function through a simplified framework design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates the connection function directly into the panel frameworks themselves, merging the structural support and motion transmission functions into a unified rigid connection. This eliminates the need for separate transmission components like pulleys and ropes, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a transmission system with pulleys and ropes is used to connect slidable panels, then the gate can achieve telescopic movement, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetelescopic movement capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By removing the pulley and rope components, the patent eliminates the need for specialized parts that increase manufacturing cost. The simplified design uses standard structural elements that are easier and less expensive to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simple, inexpensive structural components in place of expensive transmission mechanisms. The rigid framework connection uses basic structural elements that are far cheaper to produce than precision-machined pulleys and tensioned rope systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If pulleys and transmission ropes are installed on the first panel, then motion transmission is achieved, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and laborious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion transmissionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the installation of complex pulley and rope systems, replacing them with a pre-integrated rigid connection. This extraction of unnecessary installation steps dramatically reduces installation time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection structure is designed to be pre-integrated into the panel frameworks during manufacturing, so that no complex field installation is required. The rigid connection is built-in, eliminating the need for on-site assembly of transmission components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If a transmission rope is used to connect panels, then motion transmission is achieved, but the rope is susceptible to yielding and elongation over time causing incorrect positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion transmissionVSAvoidpanel positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the transmission rope entirely, replacing it with a rigid structural connection. This eliminates the material susceptibility to yielding and elongation, ensuring permanent dimensional stability and accurate panel positioning over the gate's service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a flexible, tension-dependent rope connection that degrades over time, the patent inverts the approach by using a rigid, compression-capable framework connection. This inverted approach to connection methodology provides inherent dimensional stability without the drawbacks of flexible transmission elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 solution results in a structurally simple, cost-effective, and reliable slidable gate with quick installation and reduced maintenance needs, ensuring accurate panel alignment and operation.

Implementation Method 1

the rotation of its pinion causes the displacement of the rack and, consequently, the sliding of the panel along the rail

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRack and pinion: Rack and Pinion

Implementation Method 2

a toothed wheel (20) rotatably mounted on the first slidable panel (2) and engaged with the fixed rack (19)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3653831B1Slidable gate
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 F LLI COMUNELLO
  • EP3653831B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3653831B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3653831B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Slidable gate which comprises a first slidable panel (2) and a second slidable panel (3), actuation means (14) mechanically connected to the first slidable panel (2) in order to drive the movement thereof, and a transmission system (18) placed to connect between the first slidable panel (2) and the second slidable panel (3) in order to move the latter to be displaced with relative motion with respect to the first slidable panel (2). The transmission system (18) comprises: a fixed rack (19) intended to be fixed to the ground; a first toothed wheel (20) mounted on the first slidable panel (2) and engaged with the fixed rack (19), in a manner such that the first toothed wheel (20) is rotated by the fixed rack (19) during the displacement of the first slidable panel (2); motion transformation means (21), which are mechanically connected to the first toothed wheel (20) in order to receive a rotary motion from the latter, and are mechanically connected to the second slidable panel (3) in order to move the latter with a rectilinear motion.