Adjustable Railing Bracket for Angled and Hidden Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional railing systems are difficult to install, require excessive components for different orientations, expose support hardware, and lack aesthetic appeal, leading to increased complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A rail system composed of durable, weather-resistant composite materials with a unique bracketing system that accommodates perpendicular and angled installations, allowing for easy assembly and hiding support hardware, featuring adjustable components with angled holes for fasteners to simplify installation and enhance appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional railing systems use different components for perpendicular and angled installations, then the railing can accommodate various installation orientations, but the number of parts increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation orientation accommodationVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed with multiple functions to accommodate both perpendicular and angled installations using a single component. The bracket includes a first portion that can be attached to the post and a second portion that can be attached to the railing member, with the ability to adjust between different orientations. This universal design eliminates the need for separate components for different installation types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket incorporates adjustable features that allow it to dynamically adapt to different installation orientations. The first and second portions can be positioned at various angles relative to each other, enabling the bracket to function in both perpendicular and angled configurations without requiring multiple fixed-design components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If conventional railing systems expose support hardware, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed to be substantially hidden within or behind the railing member and post structure. The first portion attaches to the post and the second portion attaches to the railing member, with the bracket body positioned so that it is not visible from the exterior. This nesting approach allows the support hardware to remain structurally functional while being aesthetically concealed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If conventional railing systems require excessive on-site labor for installation, then the structural assembly can be completed, but the installation time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly completionVSAvoidinstallation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed to be pre-assembled or pre-positioned in a manner that facilitates quick on-site installation. The first and second portions are configured to attach to the post and railing member respectively, with features that enable straightforward alignment and securing. This preliminary design reduces the complexity and time required for on-site assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7913960B1Bracketing system
Publication Date: 2011.03.29 THE AZEK GROUP LLC
  • US7913960B1 patent drawing
  • US7913960B1 patent drawing
  • US7913960B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An improved bracketing system comprising a first portion that is adjustably connected to a second portion. The first portion may pivot, rotate, or otherwise be adjusted relative to the second portion to accommodate perpendicular and angled installations. An exemplary embodiment of the bracketing system may include angled holes to receive fasteners, which may promote ease of installation. An exemplary embodiment of the bracketing system may also provide additional strength when installed.