Motorized Sliding Gate Leaf with Internal Actuator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorized sliding gates face issues with durability, space efficiency, and ease of installation and maintenance, particularly due to the arrangement of motorized units and racks which are prone to deterioration and require complex adjustments.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves housing motorized means, including a carrier wheel, inside a hollow portion of the sliding gate leaf, which reduces exposure to external hazards, eliminates the need for a rack, and simplifies the structure for easier installation and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If motorized unit and rack are installed externally on the gate leaf, then the gate can be motorized for automated operation, but the motorized components are exposed to external hazards and prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of motorized componentsVSAvoidexposure to external hazards
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The motorized unit is nested inside the hollow upright of the gate leaf, with only the carrier wheel projecting outward to engage with the guide rail. This nesting approach protects the motorized components from external hazards such as sand, debris, and accidental impacts while maintaining the gate's motorized functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If rack and pinion system is used for motorization, then the gate can be moved between open and closed positions, but the structure becomes complex and requires difficult assembly and adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assembly and maintenanceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rack component is extracted from the system and replaced with a guide rail that is already part of the gate's support structure. The motorized unit with carrier wheel directly engages with this guide rail, eliminating the need for a separate rack and pinion mechanism. This simplifies the overall structure and makes assembly and maintenance easier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rail serves dual functions: it provides structural support for the gate leaf and simultaneously acts as the rack for the motorized unit to engage with. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the motorization system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If motorized unit is installed externally on the gate, then the gate can be automated, but more space is required for installation and the gate size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different gate typesVSAvoidgate size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The motorized unit is housed within the hollow upright of the gate leaf, utilizing the existing internal space of the gate structure. This nesting approach allows the gate to be motorized without increasing its external dimensions, making it adaptable to various gate types and installation spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This approach results in a more durable, space-saving, and easily maintainable motorized sliding gate system that can be adapted to various types of sliding gates, while also reducing electrical energy consumption through the integration of photovoltaic modules.

Implementation Method 1

a carrier wheel (51) projecting from the upright so as to be in contact with the guide rail (30)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The gate (1) comprises at least one photovoltaic module (90) for supplying the motorized means (50) with electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4538494A1Sliding gate with a motorised gate
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 PICOT
  • EP4538494A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4538494A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2A
  • EP4538494A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The invention relates to a gate (1) comprising at least: - front and rear posts (10, 20) joined at a distance from each other to define between them a passageway (PC); - a gate leaf (40) mounted to slide along said posts (10, 20) between at least one opening position of said passageway (PC), in which its front end is located near said rear post (20), and a closing position of said passageway (PC), in which its front end cooperates with said front post (10), - motorized means (50) for moving said gate leaf (40) between said opening position and said closing position. According to the invention, the motorized means (50) are housed inside a hollow upright (400) of the gate leaf (40), located at its front or rear end, and comprise a load-bearing wheel (51) projecting from said upright (400).