Fastener-Free Deck Clip With Puncturing Gripping Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of residential decks is time-consuming and challenging due to the need for precise measurements, accurate leveling, and secure fastening of deck boards to joists, which increases the risk of worker falls and decreases safety.
Innovation Solution
The use of fastener-free deck clips that employ a gripping element with puncturing spikes to secure the clip onto the joist, eliminating the need for separate screws or fasteners and allowing for faster installation using a handheld tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fasteners (screws) are used to secure deck boards to joists, then the connection strength is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the traditional screw-based system and integrates it directly into the deck clip itself. The clip includes integrated gripping elements and positioning features that eliminate the need for separate fasteners, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining connection strength through the clip's own structural design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single deck clip component: positioning, gripping, and fastening are all combined in one element. The clip integrates a positioning protrusion that aligns with the joist, gripping elements that secure the board, and a body that provides structural support, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing installation complexity
2Reliability
If multiple separate fasteners are used to secure deck boards, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines positioning, gripping, and fastening functions into a single integrated deck clip. The clip includes a positioning protrusion for alignment, gripping elements for securing the board edges, and a structural body that provides connection reliability all in one component, eliminating the need for multiple separate fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The deck clip is designed as a multi-functional component that performs positioning, gripping, and fastening simultaneously. The single clip element serves multiple purposes: it positions the board relative to the joist, grips the board edges to prevent movement, and provides the structural connection, thereby reducing component count while maintaining reliability
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment of fasteners with joists is performed manually, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a positioning protrusion on the deck clip that pre-establishes the correct alignment with the joist before installation. This preliminary positioning feature ensures that when the clip is installed, the board is automatically aligned with the joist, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The deck clip is designed to self-align with the joist through its positioning protrusion, which automatically finds and engages with the joist during installation. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for manual precision alignment by the installer, allowing for faster installation while maintaining accurate positioning
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
This solution reduces the time spent on deck installation, minimizes the amount of hardware required, and enhances worker safety by simplifying the installation process and reducing the risk of falls.
Implementation Method 1
a gripping element disposed at a distal end of each of the arms, the gripping elements each comprising one or more puncturing spikes
Data Source
AI summary
Fastener-free deck clips, methods of use, and associated installation tools. The clips use a gripping element to secure the clip to a joist and do not require the use of a separate screw or other fastener, simplifying the installation process. The clip has a central body with lateral wings extending to an endpoint, where the gripping element is located. The gripping element may include puncturing elements to adhere better to the joist. Likewise, the main body may have tabs that can be depressed to further adhere to the joist. The clips may be installed by use of a handheld tool.