Articulated Hinge Assembly for Elevational Rail Adjustments
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing rails with elevational changes, such as on stairways, require time-consuming and labor-intensive field mitering, posing safety risks and being costly due to the need for specialized tools and equipment.
Innovation Solution
An articulated attachment assembly that includes a first and second mounting block and a hinge member to allow the rail connection block and rail to pivot relative to the support, eliminating the need for field mitering and enabling angular adjustments between 29° and 38°.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If field mitering is used to install rails with elevational changes, then the rail can be installed at an angle to accommodate elevation changes, but the installation becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly is divided into separate components: a mounting block that attaches to the support, a rail connection block that attaches to the rail, and a hinge member that connects them. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with precise angles, eliminating the need for time-consuming field mitering while maintaining the ability to accommodate elevational changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge member is pre-formed with the necessary angular geometry during manufacturing, rather than being created in the field. The mounting block and rail connection block are also pre-configured with appropriate angles and attachment features, allowing installers to simply assemble the pre-prepared components without performing complex cutting or mitering operations on-site.
2Manufacturing precision
If field mitering is performed to achieve proper rail alignment, then the rail meets the support with flush abutment, but safety risks increase due to difficult clamping and cutting operations
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the attachment assembly into separate pre-fabricated components with built-in alignment features, the need for dangerous field cutting operations is eliminated. The components are designed to assemble together with precise flush abutment through their geometric configuration, removing installers from hazardous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex, and dangerous field mitering equipment with simple, pre-fabricated attachment assemblies that achieve the same alignment result through their design. The pre-manufactured components with integrated angles and attachment features provide a safer, more reliable solution than attempting precision cutting in the field.
3Strength
If traditional fasteners are used to connect rails to supports, then the connection is secure, but the attachment hardware is visible and aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting block, rail connection block, and hinge member are merged into an integrated attachment assembly where the structural connection elements are concealed within the assembly's geometry. The rail connection block is positioned to be hidden by the rail itself, while the hinge member connects components in a way that maintains both strength and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment assembly acts as an intermediary between the support and rail, providing a concealed connection mechanism. The mounting block and hinge member serve as intermediate elements that secure the rail to the support while remaining hidden from view, allowing the fasteners to be concealed within the assembly structure rather than being exposed.
4Manufacturing precision
If rail connection blocks are mitred in the field, then proper angular alignment is achieved, but specialized tools and equipment are required increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
All angular alignment requirements are incorporated into the design and manufacturing of the attachment assembly components before they reach the installation site. The hinge member and mounting blocks are pre-configured with the necessary angles to accommodate elevational changes, eliminating the need for specialized mitering tools and equipment during field installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from modifying the rail connection block's geometry in the field to using pre-manufactured components with built-in angular parameters. The attachment assembly is designed with specific geometric parameters that provide the required angular alignment, transforming a complex field operation into a simple assembly process.
Data Source
AI summary
An articulated attachment assembly and a rail system and method of installation for rail installations in which there is an elevational change between vertical supports, in which the articulated attachment assembly eliminates the need for field mitering of components and provides instead a first articulated hinge assembly having a first mounting block to be attached to the first support, a second mounting block to be attached to the first rail connection block, and a hinge member to couple the second mounting block to the first mounting block and enable the second mounting block, the first rail connection block, and the rail to pivot together relative to the first mounting block and the first support.