Inova Gates

Company background

Inova Gates Ltd, is a family-owned company based in Northern Ireland. The company design, manufacture and install high quality automatic cantilevered sliding gates, electric gates and security gates servicing the UK and Ireland markets. Considered a market leader in the industry, Inova Gates are committed to developing new products to keep abreast of changes in the market. One of the new product ideas is the design of a modular flat pack security gate, which would complement their product offering.

Challenge

The company require assistance to investigate this new product and need 3D CAD drawings in order to visualise and evaluate the concepts potential. The initial idea itself needs to be durable, robust and easy to erect.

Solution

Inova Gates Ltd successfully secured a £5000 Innovation Voucher, from Invest NI, which they redeemed with the North West Regional College (NWRC), equating to 80 hours of Research and Development (r&D) support from Stephen Smith, NWRC Engineering Technical Consultant to develop and deliver this project.

Detailed research into the modular security gate market was undertaken, which progressed to new product specification, in terms of materials, sizes and forming process defined from the research phase. Detailed 3D cad model of gate framing with exploded sections showing detailed information regarding corners and hangers were then produced, depicting an outline of the finalised design which has proved satisfactory for the company to progress to manufacturing a prototype.

Impact

On completion of the innovation voucher Inova Gates Ltd are in a position to manufacture a prototype for testing purposes to ensure that the modular flat pack security gate it is fit for purpose. When passed these gates will launch to commercial markets representing an increase in sales for the company.