Spring-Loaded Trolley Gate with Flexible Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gate systems in industrial settings are inadequate in withstanding impacts from vehicles and providing flexible access control, as they often suffer from damage or deformation during collisions, lacking the necessary strength and flexibility to manage operational speeds effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of impactable gate systems featuring flexible rails with internal braces for vertical strength and horizontal flexibility, coupled with a bracket system to inhibit rail bending and a spring-loaded trolley for guided movement, allowing the gates to automatically open and close based on signals or manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid gate systems are used, then structural strength is maintained, but the gates suffer damage or deformation during vehicle impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The gate system employs dynamic elements including a spring-loaded trolley that compresses during impact to absorb energy, and flexible rails that can deflect horizontally while maintaining vertical strength through internal braces. This dynamic response allows the gate to withstand vehicle impacts without permanent deformation or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate utilizes composite structural elements combining rigid vertical members with flexible horizontal rails, and integrates spring mechanisms that provide both structural support and impact absorption. This composite approach enables the gate to maintain strength while accommodating impact forces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flexible rails are used to withstand impacts, then impact resistance improves, but rail bending and structural stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system is segmented into vertical members that provide structural stability and horizontal rails that provide flexibility. The vertical members are connected to the trolley mechanism, allowing independent movement and energy absorption during impact while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the gate have different mechanical properties: vertical members are rigid to maintain structural stability, while horizontal rails are flexible to absorb impact energy. Internal braces provide localized reinforcement where needed, creating optimal local quality throughout the structure.
3Productivity
If automatic gate operation is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate system incorporates automatic operation capabilities that reduce manual intervention, allowing the gate to open and close based on operational signals while maintaining mechanical simplicity through self-contained mechanisms.
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 impactable gate systems effectively withstand impacts from industrial vehicles by distributing force through flexible components, reducing damage and ensuring reliable operation across various industrial environments.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded trolley to guide the rail along the track
Data Source
AI summary
Example impactable gate systems disclosed herein include a track to be coupled to a base post, a drive strip slidable along the track, a rail including a tube, the rail to move with the drive strip relative to the track between an opened position and a closed position, and a bracket to be disposed within the track, the bracket to couple the rail to the drive strip, the bracket to be disposed within the base post when the rail is in the closed position.