Laterally Adjustable Post Base with Ornamental Stirrup Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional standoff connectors for wood structural members require additional cost for concealment due to their utilitarian appearance, and they may not provide sufficient structural support, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A post base assembly with a base member and adjustable stirrup plates formed from sheet metal, featuring cutouts, tabs, and threaded holes for lateral adjustment, which allows for secure attachment of wood structural members to concrete substrates while accommodating varying sizes and providing aesthetic appeal through ornamental designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional standoff connectors are used, then structural support is provided, but additional cost is incurred for concealment due to utilitarian appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the structural function of the standoff connector with aesthetic features by integrating ornamental designs directly into the connector body. The base plate and stirrup members incorporate decorative patterns, textures, or shapes that make the connector visually appealing, eliminating the need for separate concealment structures and reducing overall project cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies various finishing techniques to the standoff connector including paint, powder coating, anodizing, or other surface treatments that provide both protective coverage and aesthetic appeal. These finishes allow the connector to match surrounding architectural elements or stand as a design feature, eliminating the need for additional concealment carpentry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional standoff connectors with fixed thickness are used, then base plate spacing is standardized, but adaptability to varying structural member sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the stirrup members laterally adjustable by providing slots or openings in the base plate that allow the stirrup members to be positioned at different lateral distances from the centerline. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the connector to accommodate structural members of varying sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the stirrup members into separable components or provides multiple positioning options along the base plate, allowing independent adjustment of each stirrup member's lateral position. This segmentation enables flexible adaptation to different structural member dimensions without requiring complete redesign of the connector.
3Length of stationary object
If thicker base plates are used to ensure adequate spacing, then wood structural member clearance is improved, but device weight and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite construction techniques where the base plate may be made from layered materials, hollow sections, or combinations of different materials that provide the necessary structural strength and spacing clearance while reducing overall weight and material consumption compared to solid thick plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates curved or contoured features in the base plate design that optimize structural strength distribution, allowing for thinner overall plate thickness while maintaining adequate spacing and support capabilities. The curved geometries provide structural efficiency that reduces material requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A post base includes a base member comprising post support wall and a plurality of peripheral side walls extending from the post support wall. The base member further comprises a first tab and a second tab, each extending inward. A plurality of stirrup plates each include at least one slot sized and shaped to receive one of the plurality of tabs of the base member.