Bracket for Cement Board Siding Gap Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cement board siding installations often result in gaps between adjacent boards, which are not structurally supported, aesthetically unpleasing, and pose fire hazards due to exposed surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A bracket comprising an elongated rectangular plate with a spanning feature and return portion that mechanically engages adjacent boards, providing structural support, filling gaps, and offering fire-resistance by covering exposed surfaces, while being adjustable and paintable to match surrounding boards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cement board siding boards are installed adjacent to each other, then the siding provides weather protection and structural coverage, but gaps form between the boards over time due to thermal expansion, contraction, and settling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweather protectionVSAvoidgap formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed with a spanning feature that has multiple contact points (first contact point and second contact point) that independently engage with adjacent siding boards. This segmentation allows each contact point to accommodate individual board movement while maintaining overall gap closure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket incorporates flexible elements and adjustable geometry that allow it to dynamically adapt to board movement from thermal expansion, contraction, and settling. The spanning feature can flex and reposition to maintain contact with boards as they move independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If gaps between siding boards are left unfilled, then the installation process remains simple and quick, but the gaps create aesthetic defects and expose the building structure beneath

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidaesthetic defects and exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed to be installed during the initial siding installation process, preliminarily addressing the gap issue before it becomes a visible defect. By installing the bracket at this stage, the gap is prevented from forming rather than being corrected later

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket serves as an intermediary element between the siding boards and the building structure beneath. It fills the gap aesthetically while also providing a functional bridge that maintains the weather-resistant barrier continuity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If gaps between siding boards remain exposed, then no additional components are needed, but the exposed surfaces pose fire hazards and reduce overall structure safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent countVSAvoidfire hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket performs multiple functions simultaneously: it closes aesthetic gaps, provides structural support to adjacent boards, and creates a fire-resistant barrier by covering exposed surfaces. This multi-functionality addresses fire safety without requiring separate dedicated fire-blocking components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket acts as an intermediary fire barrier between the exterior siding and the building structure beneath. It prevents direct exposure of combustible or vulnerable surfaces while maintaining the weather-resistant envelope continuity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If a bracket with spanning features is installed to fill gaps and provide structural support, then structural stability and fire-resistance are improved, but the device complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidbracket structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket's spanning feature is segmented into multiple contact points that independently engage with adjacent boards. This segmentation simplifies the engagement process compared to a monolithic structure, as each contact point can be positioned and secured separately

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket concentrates structural support and gap-closing functionality at specific local points (the contact points of the spanning feature) rather than requiring uniform complexity across the entire bracket. This allows simplified geometry in non-critical areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11840853B1Bracket for use with cement board siding

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 ARTEAGA ERIC

AI summary

A bracket for use with cement board siding may be used to fill in a gap that may have formed over time between the ends of adjacent boards that have been installed on the side of a building structure. In some implementations, the bracket comprises an elongated rectangular plate having a top edge, bottom edge, and rear surface. The rear surface may include a spanning feature that extends outwardly from the rear surface such that when the bracket is installed into a gap between adjacent siding boards, the ends of the spanning feature mechanically contact the ends of those boards. The bottom edge may include a return portion to engage the bottom edges of adjacent siding boards when the bracket has been installed. The top edge may extend upwards beneath one or more siding boards located above the gap in the boards.