Concealed Grooved-Board Fastener for Thermal Movement Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener systems for securing grooved boards to underlying support structures are inadequate as they often fail to forcibly engage the grooves, leading to movement of boards during temperature changes, require manual alignment, and are not suitable for concealed installation, especially in confined spaces or with multiple joists.
Innovation Solution
A fastener unit comprising a spacer block with a grip element and a resilient compression element that fits within the groove, expanding to forcibly engage it, and optionally includes fracturable joints for easy placement in confined spaces, allowing self-supported installation and securement without additional hands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a hidden fastener system with horizontal flanges is used to fit within grooves of adjacent boards, then the fastener can conceal the support structure, but the flanges do not engage the grooves forcibly enough to prevent board movement during expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the board engagement element resilient and compressible, allowing it to transition between an uncompressible state (for initial engagement) and a compressed state (for forcible engagement). This dynamic property enables the fastener to adapt during installation and service, providing both ease of installation and reliable board securing against movement during thermal expansion and contraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state of the board engagement element from uncompressible to compressed. This parameter change allows the element to exert increasing force on the groove as it is compressed, transforming a passive fitting component into an active securing mechanism that prevents board movement while maintaining concealment.
2Ease of manufacture
If the base height and groove distance are fixed in the fastener design, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the flanges may not fit well or align with grooves of varying dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the board engagement element compressible rather than rigid. This allows the element to adapt to varying groove dimensions through compression, maintaining alignment and fit across different board and groove configurations while keeping the overall fastener design simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the compression element to vary its physical dimensions under load. This parameter change enables the fastener to accommodate different groove depths and distances from the board surface, providing versatility across various board types without complicating the manufacturing process.
3Ease of manufacture
If the flanges are of fixed thickness, then the manufacturing is easier, but if the thickness is mismatched relative to the groove, the plate cannot fit in the groove or secure the board
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the fixed-thickness flange with a compressible board engagement element. This dynamic element can be compressed to fit within grooves of varying thicknesses, then expands to provide secure engagement. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling proper fitting across different groove dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the board engagement element to change its thickness parameter through compression. This enables the element to adapt to different groove thicknesses, maintaining both ease of manufacture and ease of operation by fitting properly into various groove configurations.
4Measurement precision
If a manual alignment process is required during fastener installation, then the installation precision can be controlled, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the grip element to automatically engage the groove and establish proper alignment before the board engagement element is compressed. This preliminary engagement guides the fastener into correct positioning, eliminating the need for manual alignment during installation while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the fastener to self-align and self-secure through the interaction between the grip element and groove. The grip element's engagement with the groove automatically positions the fastener correctly, and the subsequent compression of the board engagement element secures it in place without requiring manual intervention for alignment.
5Ease of manufacture
If the fastener system is designed for standard spacing, then the manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot properly size for concealed installation with double or triple joists in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the board engagement element compressible, allowing the fastener to adapt to reduced spacing in confined spaces with double or triple joists. The compression capability enables the fastener to fit into tighter spaces while maintaining its securing function, providing versatility for different installation scenarios without complicating manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the board engagement element to change its dimensional parameters through compression. This enables the fastener to accommodate reduced distances between joists in confined spaces, maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and adaptability to various installation environments including double or triple joist configurations.
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 securely holds boards in place across varying temperatures, conceals well between boards, and enables easy installation in tight spaces, providing a stable and aesthetically pleasing solution for securing grooved boards to support structures.
Implementation Method 1
the board engagement element is a resilient compression element that is vertically compressible so that portions of it can be compressed from an open mode to a compressed mode. In the compressed mode, the board engagement element is sized and dimensioned smaller than a width of the groove so that the element can fit within the groove. After placement in the groove, the portions can expand within the groove to forcibly engage the groove
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 extending from a portion of the spacer block. The board engagement elements can clamp the board, between an upper and/or lower surface of the board and a 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.