Anchor Post with Spike for Baluster Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of metal balusters is time-consuming, requires handling chemicals, and is typically limited to skilled professionals, as it involves drilling large holes and precise placement, making it inefficient and messy, especially when considering variations in baluster sizes.

Innovation Solution

An anchor post system that allows for accurate and quick positioning and securing of balusters using power tools, accommodating variations in baluster sizes and enabling installation after painting, with a design featuring a flange and projection that can be securely fastened to a supporting surface and a spike for precise location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional epoxy resin installation method is used, then balusters can be secured to the floor, but the installation process is time-consuming, messy, and requires skilled professionals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the epoxy resin chemical bonding step from the installation process. Instead of using epoxy to secure balusters, the patent employs a mechanical anchor post system with a flange and projection that can be installed using simple power tools, completely removing the messy and skill-intensive epoxy application process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor post serves as an intermediary component between the floor and the baluster. It features a flange with projection elements that embed into the floor and a receptacle that receives the baluster, providing a mechanical connection that replaces the chemical bond of epoxy resin

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If large holes are drilled for each baluster, then secure anchoring is achieved, but the installation becomes messy and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor post is segmented into distinct functional components: a flange with multiple projection elements for anchoring, a body with a receptacle for the baluster, and a spike for precise positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with projections providing distributed anchoring strength without requiring large holes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If precise placement is required for each baluster, then accurate positioning is achieved, but the installation process becomes challenging and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor post features a spike that extends from the flange and serves as a self-positioning element. The spike fits into a corresponding hole in the floor, automatically aligning and positioning the anchor post accurately without requiring complex measurement or positioning procedures by the installer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of manufacture

If installation is done before painting, then epoxy mess can be covered, but the installation must be completed before the building is finished

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic resultVSAvoidinstallation timing flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the epoxy resin from the installation process entirely, replacing it with a clean mechanical anchor post system. This elimination allows installation to occur at any stage after painting, as there is no messy chemical substance that would interfere with the paint finish

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor post is designed with a flange that can be securely installed to the floor first, creating a stable base that allows subsequent painting work to be completed without disturbing the baluster positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

5Adaptability or versatility

If hollow metal balusters with varying interior sizes are used, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but conventional anchor posts cannot accommodate the size variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebaluster size variation toleranceVSAvoidfit accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor post receptacle features tapered inner surfaces that provide a dynamic, self-adjusting fit. The taper allows the receptacle to accommodate slight variations in baluster interior dimensions while maintaining a secure, reliable connection through friction and mechanical interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9874024B2Balustrade anchor post and balustrade installation method

Publication Date: 2018.01.23 GREEN ROBERT H

AI summary

An anchor post for mounting a baluster having a hollow interior onto a supporting surface. The anchor post has a stalk adapted to extend into one end of a baluster and a body adapted to be fastened to a supporting surface. The body has a centrally located downwardly pointed spike for centering the body on a supporting surface.