Wedge-Shaped Hinge Padding for Chain Link Gates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective padding systems for fences with swinging gates often interfere with the gate's operation, making it difficult to open and close while providing adequate coverage for the hinge area, which is a common issue in sports venues.
Innovation Solution
A protective padding assembly comprising a barrier covering section, a gate covering section, and an intermediate wedge-shaped section that cooperates with the gate pad to create a continuous protective surface without obstructing the gate's movement, utilizing high-impact foam pads with vinyl coatings and interconnected by plastic washers, and featuring elastomeric biasing cords or springs to maintain the wedge's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If protective padding is installed to cover the gate hinge area, then protection against injury is improved, but gate operation becomes interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The protective padding is divided into multiple sections: a first section attached to the fence, a second section attached to the gate, and an intermediate wedge-shaped section connecting them. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently while working together as a complete protective system that doesn't interfere with gate operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate section is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adjust its position as the gate opens and closes. This dynamic design enables the padding to maintain contact with both the fence and gate during movement, providing continuous protection without restricting the gate's range of motion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If protective padding covers the entire gate area including hinge, then continuous protection is improved, but gate opening and closing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate wedge-shaped section acts as an intermediary element between the fence-mounted padding and the gate-mounted padding. It bridges the gap created by the hinge area, providing continuous visual and physical protection while its unique shape and movability allow it to accommodate gate rotation without obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate section utilizes the third dimension by extending outward from the plane of the gate and fence at an angle. This wedge-shaped configuration allows it to provide continuous protection in the hinge area while clearing the rotational path of the gate, effectively solving the contradiction through spatial arrangement.
3Reliability
If protective padding is made sturdy and continuous, then protection effectiveness is improved, but complexity of installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective padding system is divided into three separate but coordinated sections that can be installed independently. This segmentation reduces installation complexity by allowing each component to be mounted separately on the fence, gate, and intermediate area, while still forming a continuous protective barrier when assembled.
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 allows for safe, easy, and reliable protection of athletes from gate impacts while ensuring the gate can be freely opened and closed, providing a sturdy, long-lasting, and cost-effective solution that maintains the gate's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
featuring elastomeric biasing cords or springs to maintain the wedge's position
Implementation Method 2
utilizing high-impact foam pads with vinyl coatings
Data Source
AI summary
A protective padding assembly for covering a section of chain link fence of the character found in sports venues, such as baseball fields, soccer fields, football fields and the like, wherein the section of chain link fence includes a hingeably connected swinging gate. The protective padding assembly uniquely includes a fence covering section, a gate covering section and an intermediate, wedge shaped portion for covering the gate hinges in a manner that will not interfere with opening and closing the gate.