Concealed Board Fastener for Thermal Movement and Joist Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hidden fastener systems for securing grooved boards to underlying support structures are inadequate as they fail to forcibly engage the boards with the joists, leading to movement during temperature changes and require manual alignment, and are not suitable for double or triple joist configurations or confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A fastener unit with a spacer block, grip element, and resilient compression elements that fit within grooves to securely engage boards, allowing for self-supported installation and adjustment to various groove heights and angles, and can be easily adapted for different joist configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hidden fastener systems use loose flanges that fit within grooves, then the boards can be concealed attached to joists, but the boards cannot be forcibly engaged and may move during expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system incorporates resilient compression elements that can dynamically adjust to board movement during expansion and contraction while maintaining secure engagement. The elements compress and expand with temperature changes, preventing board displacement while preserving the concealed attachment feature
Solution Approach 2:
The compression elements change their physical state from uncompressed to compressed under applied force, enabling them to forcibly engage the board within the groove. This parameter change allows the fastener to transition from a loose fit to a secure, forceful engagement that prevents board movement
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment is required during fastener installation, then precise positioning can be achieved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system is designed to self-align within the groove through its structural geometry. The compression elements and flanges automatically position themselves correctly when inserted, eliminating the need for manual alignment while maintaining precise positioning and reducing installation time
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is pre-configured with flanges and compression elements positioned to automatically engage the groove geometry upon insertion. This preliminary arrangement ensures correct alignment is achieved automatically during installation without requiring manual positioning steps
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed thickness flanges are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the flanges cannot adapt to mismatched groove dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The compression elements provide dynamic adaptability to various groove dimensions while maintaining fixed flange thickness for simple manufacturing. The elements compress to accommodate different groove heights and widths, enabling the same flange design to work with mismatched groove dimensions across different board configurations
4Ease of manufacture
If standard fastener size is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the fastener cannot fit in confined spaces or accommodate double/triple joists
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system is segmented into modular components including flanges, compression elements, and a base that can be selectively configured. This segmentation allows the same basic fastener design to be adapted for confined spaces by removing or adjusting certain elements, and for double/triple joists by extending the base length, while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener design incorporates universal features that allow it to perform multiple functions across different applications. The same flange and compression element design works for both confined spaces and standard configurations, while the base length can be varied to accommodate single, double, or triple joist arrangements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The fastener unit provides secure and concealed attachment of boards to joists, preventing movement during temperature changes and allowing for efficient installation without manual alignment, while accommodating various joist configurations and spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a first resilient compression element (41) and a second resilient compression element (42), each having a vertical dimension in an open mode that is greater than a vertical dimension of the groove and being vertically compressible to convert from the open mode to a compressed mode
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener unit and related method for securing a board to a support is provided. The fastener unit includes a spacer block, a grip element extending from the spacer block and configured to fit in and engage a groove of the board, and one or more board engagement elements. The board engagement elements can engage the groove of the board, thereby securing the spacer block in a position adjacent the groove to establish a gap between the board and another board. Related methods of use also are provided.