Deck Board End-Connection Bracket for Single-Joist Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods of securing deck flooring boards to underlying joists using nails or screws result in damage, unsightly markings, and require dual joists at each end-to-end connection, increasing cost and labor, while existing clip solutions do not address the need for dual joists.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system with a shelf member and mounting plate, reinforced by braces, and T-shaped connectors that secure the ends of flooring boards to a single joist without passing fasteners through the boards, using integrally formed components like plastic or metal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nails or screws are passed through the top surface of flooring boards to secure them to floor joists, then the boards are properly attached, but the fasteners work out over time causing loose boards and unsightly markings on the exposed surface
Solution Approach 1:
A bracket is introduced as an intermediary component between the flooring board and the floor joist. The bracket attaches to the bottom surface of the board and secures to the joist, eliminating the need for fasteners through the top surface. This mediator transfers the attachment function while protecting the visible surface from damage and markings.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of fastening from the top surface down through the board, the attachment is inverted by securing from the bottom surface up. The bracket fastens to the joist from below the flooring board, reversing the conventional fastening direction to avoid surface damage while maintaining attachment reliability.
2Reliability
If dual floor joists are placed side by side at each location where flooring boards are secured end to end, then both ends are properly supported and secured, but the cost, time, and labor for assembly increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket serves as a mediator that enables a single joist to support multiple board ends. By providing attachment points on the joist, the bracket allows both board ends to be secured to one joist rather than requiring dual joists, thus maintaining support reliability while improving installation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket provides multiple attachment points and functions from a single component, allowing one joist to perform the support function that previously required two joists. This multi-functional element consolidates the structural requirement, reducing material and labor needs.
3Reliability
If fasteners are passed through the end of flooring boards to secure them to floor joists, then the boards are attached, but there is less supporting material encircling the fasteners resulting in board damage such as splitting
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket acts as an intermediary that distributes attachment forces away from the board ends. By providing a separate attachment component, the bracket prevents concentrated fastener loads from damaging the board structure, eliminating splitting while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment function is segmented into separate components: the bracket handles the fastening to the joist, while the board end remains undisturbed. This segmentation separates the stress concentration point from the board material, preventing structural damage while achieving secure attachment.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional clips are used to secure composite flooring boards without passing fasteners through the boards, then surface damage is avoided, but the clips do not resolve the need for dual joists at end-to-end connections
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is a more effective intermediary than conventional clips, as it not only protects the surface by avoiding through-fasteners but also provides the additional function of enabling single-joist support at board ends. This comprehensive mediator resolves both the surface protection requirement and the joist configuration complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for interconnecting the terminal ends of boards includes a shelf member having a top face and an opposing bottom face that each extend between a first end and an opposing second end; a mounting plate having a front face and an opposing back face that each extend between an upper end and an opposing lower end, the upper end of the mounting plate projecting outward from the bottom face of the shelf member; a first connector upstanding from the top face of the shelf member at the first end thereof and projecting forward of the front face of the mounting plate; and a second connector upstanding from the top face of the shelf member at the second end thereof and projecting forward of the front face of the mounting plate, the first and second connector each having a T-shaped transverse cross section.