Split Hub Gate Wheel for Retrofit Without Frame Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wide or heavy gates tend to droop and drag on the ground when hinged, making them difficult to open and close, and the installation of gate wheels during construction complicates storage and transportation, as it requires cutting the frame.
Innovation Solution
A gate wheel design with two hub portions and a tubular axle system that can be attached to a gate frame without cutting, using radial extensions and fixing means to form a complete wheel rim, allowing for easy assembly and rotation around the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gate wheel is installed during gate construction, then the gate can operate smoothly without drooping, but the gate becomes non-flat and more difficult to stack, store, and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The gate wheel is divided into two separate hub portions that can be attached to opposite sides of the gate frame independently. This segmentation allows the wheel components to be flat and compatible with the gate's flat profile during storage, while still forming a functional wheel during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The two hub portions are designed to nest together with the gate frame members, with each hub portion fitting around a gate frame member. This nesting arrangement maintains a flat profile when not in use while enabling wheel formation when assembled.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a gate wheel is retro-fitted by cutting the gate frame, then the gate can be equipped with wheel functionality, but the installation process becomes difficult and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The gate wheel is segmented into two hub portions that attach to opposite sides of the gate frame without requiring cuts. Each hub portion is designed to fit around existing gate frame members, eliminating the need for frame modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub portions serve as intermediary components that bridge the gate frame and the wheel rim, allowing wheel functionality to be added without modifying the gate frame itself. The hubs attach to the frame using existing structure as a basis.
3Strength
If a traditional gate wheel structure is used, then the wheel can provide support, but it requires cutting and reconnecting the gate frame which is laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is segmented into two hub portions attached to opposite sides of the gate frame, each providing support independently. This segmentation maintains structural support capability while eliminating the need for frame cutting and welding.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub portions are designed as identical or mirror-image components that can be attached to opposite sides of the gate frame. This copying approach simplifies manufacturing and installation while providing balanced support.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-part gate wheel is disclosed. The gate wheel includes two hub portions, each of which extends through over 180°, and which has a slot which passes from the periphery through to the centre. In use, each hub portion can be introduced from opposed sides of a gate, and coupled together to form a wheel. In this way the wheel can be retro-fitted onto a gate.