Deck Clip Friction Fit for Hidden Fastener Board Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional deck clip systems require multiple fastener interactions during installation, offer insecure attachments, and expose fasteners, leading to aesthetic issues and potential deck instability.
Innovation Solution
A deck clip design featuring a spacer and grip mechanism that uses a friction fit and elastic deformation for secure attachment, allowing fasteners to be hidden beneath the deck boards, reducing installation complexity and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional screws are used to attach deck boards to joists, then the attachment method is simple and direct, but the screws remain visible and detract from the appearance of the deck
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: a deck clip that attaches to the joist and a deck board that attaches to the clip. This segmentation allows the fastening mechanism to be hidden within the clip structure rather than being exposed on the deck board surface, resolving the contradiction between simple attachment and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The deck clip acts as an intermediary component between the joist and the deck board. It provides the fastening function while remaining concealed beneath the deck board, eliminating the need for visible screws on the deck surface while maintaining attachment simplicity through the clip's integrated design.
2Ease of operation
If screws are used to attach deck boards, then the attachment process is straightforward, but the screws can cause the deck boards to split during assembly or over time
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the fastening function into a dedicated deck clip component, the screw forces are concentrated in the clip rather than being applied directly to the deck board. This segmentation protects the deck board from splitting while maintaining straightforward assembly through the clip's groove-and-groove coupling mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If traditional deck clip systems with smooth surfaces are used, then the clip can be inserted into the groove, but the smooth surfaces offer limited friction and the contact area is small resulting in insecure attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The deck clip features differentiated surface qualities: smooth insertion surfaces that allow easy placement into the groove, and textured grip surfaces that provide enhanced friction and secure holding. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between ease of insertion and attachment security by optimizing each surface for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip surfaces of the deck clip incorporate curved and contoured geometries that increase the contact area with the deck board groove. These curved surfaces provide mechanical interlocking and enhanced friction compared to flat surfaces, improving attachment security while maintaining ease of insertion through the smooth leading edges.
4Productivity
If the deck clip is not secured with a pre-started screw, then the installation process can be simplified, but the deck clip may get knocked off of the joist while aligning the next board
Solution Approach 1:
The deck clip incorporates a preliminary securing mechanism that provides initial stability upon installation before final tightening. This preliminary action prevents the clip from being knocked off during subsequent board alignment operations, allowing faster installation without sacrificing position stability.
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
Provides a quick, secure, and aesthetically pleasing attachment of deck boards to joists without visible fasteners, improving installation efficiency and deck stability.
Implementation Method 1
uses a friction fit and elastic deformation for secure attachment
Implementation Method 2
uses a friction fit and elastic deformation for secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A deck clip that may be used in the construction of a deck and a method of using the same is provided. The deck clip may include a grip and a spacer. Portions of both the grip and the spacer may be received within the grooves of deck boards used in decks. Thus, the deck clip may be selectively affixed to deck boards. Further, the deck clip may be configured to receive a fastener for anchoring the deck clip to joists. Thus, the deck clip may be used to couple deck boards to joists. Advantageously, the deck clip may be used to construct a deck without exposed fasteners, the geometry of the spacer may assist with creating a consistent gap between adjacent deck boards, and the grip may comprise saw-tooth shaped surfaces for improved retention of the deck boards.