Angled Fastener Positioning System for Decking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener systems face challenges in efficiently driving fasteners into decking members at an angle without visible protrusion, particularly due to insufficient strength, rigidity, and design issues that can lead to bending or material damage, such as splitting of wood.
Innovation Solution
A tool positioning system with a base member, base guides, and an adjustable section that allows for translation and rotation of the power fastener tool to position the fastener at a desired angle relative to the decking member, facilitating efficient driving into the edge of the decking member and joist while minimizing visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fasteners are driven at an angle into the edge of decking members, then visibility of fastener heads is reduced, but positioning precision and driving accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning device is introduced as an intermediary tool between the operator and the decking member. This device includes a base with positioning elements that contact the decking member surface and a guide structure that directs the fastener at the correct angle, thereby maintaining positioning precision while achieving the desired angled drive for reduced visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device is configured to establish the correct fastener angle and position before the actual fastening action occurs. The base positioning elements are placed on the decking member surface first, then the guide structure is aligned, ensuring that when the fastener is driven, it is already positioned correctly for both precision and reduced visibility
2Ease of operation
If fasteners lack sufficient strength and rigidity, then ease of insertion is improved, but fastener bending and connection integrity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener design incorporates specific geometric parameters including a tapered body portion that transitions from a larger diameter at the head to a smaller diameter at the tip. This parameter change allows the fastener to be sufficiently strong and rigid to resist bending while the tapered geometry facilitates easier insertion into the decking member and joist
3Ease of manufacture
If fasteners have flat and rectangular body portions, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but material damage and insertion difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener incorporates a localized tapered portion that transitions from the rectangular body to the tip. This local quality change at the insertion end allows the fastener to more easily penetrate the decking member and joist without causing excessive splitting or damage, while the majority of the fastener body maintains the simple rectangular cross-section for ease of manufacture and collation
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for positioning a tool. The system includes a base member configured to contact a first decking member and a second decking member; at least one base guide including a first end and an opposing second end, the first end coupled to the base member, the at least one base guide configured to position the base member relative to the first decking member and the second decking member; and an adjustable section coupled to the base member, the adjustable section configured to allow adjustment of at least one of a position and an angle of the tool relative to the base member. The system further includes a fastener configured to secure the first and/or second decking members to a joist.