Concealed Post Fastening via Nested Tube and Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post anchoring solutions fail to effectively secure solid wood posts to surfaces, particularly under high loads, due to limitations in material cost, accuracy in drilling long bores, and aesthetic appeal, with existing devices being either expensive, difficult to install, or limited in performance and visibility.
Innovation Solution
A post fastening assembly featuring a hollow cylindrical tube with internal threads, a transverse pin, and a base with a threaded rod, allowing the assembly to be fitted entirely inside the post, providing high torque resistance and aesthetic appeal by concealing fasteners, suitable for both lateral and compression loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional screw fastening devices are used to secure posts to surfaces, then the installation process is simple, but the devices fail under high loads and are highly visible and unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening assembly is nested entirely within the post structure. The hollow tube is inserted into a bore hole in the post, the base is positioned underneath the post end, and all fastening components (screws, nuts, washers) are contained within this nested assembly, allowing the connection to be hidden while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is divided into separate functional components: a base component for surface mounting, a hollow tube for structural support, and fastening elements for securing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide both aesthetic concealment and load-bearing capability
2Stability of the object's composition
If bracket-like devices that cradle the post are used, then the post is prevented from splitting apart, but the devices are highly visible and unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The cradling function is achieved by nesting the base and hollow tube assembly within the post structure. The base is positioned underneath the post end and the hollow tube is inserted into a bore hole, creating a concealed cradling mechanism that prevents post splitting while remaining invisible from the outside
3Strength
If hollow metal posts with square spacers or filler pieces are used to achieve high performance, then lateral load resistance is improved, but the material cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using expensive hollow metal posts throughout, the invention applies local reinforcement only where needed. A hollow tube is inserted into a bore hole in the post, providing localized structural support and lateral load resistance without requiring the entire post structure to be expensive material
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure by combining the existing post material with a hollow tube and base assembly. This composite approach allows the use of more economical post materials while achieving high performance through the strategically placed hollow tube reinforcement
4Shape
If the post fastening assembly is made entirely inside the post core, then aesthetic quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The concealed fastening assembly is segmented into distinct components (base, hollow tube, fastening elements) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled within the post. This segmentation simplifies the overall design by allowing modular construction while maintaining the aesthetic of a clean, concealed installation
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 solution enables secure anchoring of solid wood posts with improved lateral resistance and compression performance, reducing material usage and cost, while maintaining aesthetic quality, and is applicable to various structural applications without the need for expensive hollow metal posts.
Implementation Method 1
a hollow cylindrical tube with internal threads, a transverse pin, and a base with a threaded rod
Implementation Method 2
a transverse pin
Data Source
AI summary
A post fastening device for mounting a post to a construction surface, the device comprising a base having a planar top surface and a threaded rod extending from the top surface, a tubular member for insertion into a longitudinal axial bore on the bottom end of the post, the tubular member having an upper end and a lower end with internal threads complementary to the threads of the rod, and a dowel rod for insertion into a transverse bore extending through a portion of the post and the tubular member when the tubular member is in the longitudinal bore, the dowel rod being sized to pass through the tubular member and a portion of the post on both sides of the tubular member.