Robotic Guarding: What Type of Gate Configuration Do You Need?

Gate configuration influences much more than access to the cell itself. The configuration influences how much floor area the cell requires, the production workflow, and the maintenance of the cell itself. Gates must provide good access into the cell without being awkward or inconvenient to use, meet strength and security demands, comply with OSHA requirements, and integrate readily with existing equipment.

When you’re designing guarding for your robotic cell, consider:

• What type of access is needed
• Which latching mechanism is safest for the cell
• What type of support is required

Access Type

There are several considerations for determining gate access type:

• Opening width, which is set by the type of equipment or machinery that moves in and out of the cell
• Whether whole-cell access is required, or targeted access to a single component
• Total floor availability

Hinge

Hinged gates are mounted to sturdy vertical posts and rotate through an arc to pivot open. A single gate may provide sufficient clearance for worker access, but double gates are often needed for forklifts.

Considerations

• How much space is needed for gate movement?
• Will the gate or gates open into the cell or outwards?
• What will be the impact on traffic flow around and inside the cell?

Slide

A sliding gate moves parallel to the adjacent fence panels. Sliding gates can be a single panel, a pair of panels that slide in opposite directions, or even consist of multiple stacked panels. Sliding gates can also be configured for vertical movement, allowing a crane to move large items into a cell without disrupting operations.

Considerations

• Is there room for sliding panels to move parallel to fixed panels?
• How will the panels be supported? On wheels or from an overhead track?
• Are you willing to put up with additional maintenance if it’s needed?

Top Slide

This configuration uses an overhead track or rail to support the gate as it moves, helping avoid the need for a floor-mounted rail that could hinder operators and lead to contamination. However, the track must be strong enough to support the gate’s weight, and it imposes a height limit on cell access.

Considerations

• Will the height limit be a problem for cell access?
• Will the sliding motion create any pinch-point hazards?
• Will the gate slide easily? (Operators may be tempted to leave a stiff or heavy gate open)

Total Access

A total access gate allows entry to the entire enclosed and protected area, rather than just one section.

Total access gates require closer attention to safety interlocks to meet the relevant safety requirements. These types of gates may also require an emergency escape path or a way of checking the cell is unoccupied before being closed.

Considerations

• Are you willing to interlock the gate completely?
• How many gates do you need? With total access gates, it’s best to minimize the total gates needed in the cell.

Bi-Fold In & Bi-Fold Out

A bi-fold gate is hinged vertically halfway across its width. To operate, the opening edge slides back in the same direction as the adjacent panels, and the gate folds in half. Bi-fold gates are usually mounted on wheels but may also be mounted on tracks to ensure proper movement.

A bi-fold gate that folds into the cell has the advantage of not impeding traffic past the outside of the cell.

Considerations

• Is there room within the cell for the gate to fold?
• Do you need a solution that’s easy to integrate with latches and interlocks? With bi-folds, interlock and latch integration can be challenging.
• Are you willing to maintain the wheels, which can become stiff or seize?

Latching Mechanism

Latches for robotic cells need to hold the gate in its correct position for safety interlocks to work. It should not be possible to operate the gate without the safety system recognizing that it’s being opened or closed.

For both latching mechanisms, the primary consideration is whether access is needed from one or both sides.

Drop-Pin/Gravity

These latches are bolts that drop into a hole in the floor, preventing the gate from being opened.

Side Bolt

In this latching design, the bolt slides sideways into a recess or pocket, ensuring the bolt can’t be knocked free or loosen from vibrations.

Tracking

Tracking supports the weight and movement of sliding gates and ensures proper alignment as the gates close. Tracking must have the strength and durability to withstand frequent, heavy use without deforming.

Because it spans the opening, tracking can sometimes prevent tall vehicles or stacked pallets from entering the cell.

Single Rail

A relatively lightweight design intended for narrower single panels where the gate will close against a rigid post.

Considerations

• Must have enough strength to support the gate without deforming.
• Imposes a height constraint.
• Must ensure good latch alignment at the closing side.

Heavy-Duty

A stronger form of tracking intended to support large, heavy sliding gates and multi-gate installations.

Considerations

• Ensure the tracking can handle the weight of the large panels.
• Must provide good alignment at the opening to ensure reliable latching.
• Consider the impact of the height limit (or raise track height as needed).

Get Help Designing Your Guarding

ROBO FENCE® by Square Group provides peace of mind to manufacturers by engineering advanced guarding systems tailored to specific applications and facilities. We provide 2D and 3D in-house design capabilities and responsive support. Visit our website to learn more about our available configurations, or contact us today to get started with a design consultation.