Deck Tile Assembly with Step Clip Fastening and Metal Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deck tiles require joist beams or wooden frames and are not durable enough to support deck boards on uneven surfaces, leading to instability and safety hazards due to loose fastening means.
Innovation Solution
A deck tile assembly with a frame, parallel sleepers, and step clip fastening devices that provide a robust support structure and self-leveling capabilities, using materials like glass-filled polypropylene and metal for durability and friction to secure deck boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional deck tiles use height adjustable support attachments made of plastic, then installation on uneven surfaces is enabled, but durability and robustness are insufficient to support deck boards for long duration
Solution Approach 1:
The support attachments are changed from plastic to metal material, fundamentally altering the material parameter to achieve both the required durability and robustness while maintaining the height-adjustable functionality for uneven surface installation
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly uses a composite structure combining metal frame members with metal support attachments, creating a unified durable system that provides both structural strength and adaptability for long-term reliability
2Stability of the object's composition
If deck boards are secured using fastening means such as fasteners, nails, or screws, then deck board stability is improved, but safety hazards arise from loose fasteners and gaps formed due to loosening over time
Solution Approach 1:
The hazardous fastening means (nails, screws, fasteners) are completely removed from the system and replaced with a fastener-free retention mechanism using groove-and-protrusion interlocking structures that provide stability without any loose components
Solution Approach 2:
Grooves and protrusions are introduced as intermediary structural features that mediate the connection between deck boards and frame, providing secure retention through mechanical interlocking without requiring separate fastening components
3Strength
If conventional deck tiles require joist beams or wooden frame assemblies, then structural support is provided, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex joist beam and wooden frame assembly is segmented and replaced with a simplified modular frame structure consisting of discrete frame members connected by standardized connectors, reducing overall complexity while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as structural support elements and as integrated mounting structures for support attachments and deck boards, eliminating the need for separate joist beams and reducing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A deck tile assembly is disclosed. The deck tile assembly comprises a frame having at least four sides. The deck tile assembly further comprises a plurality of bars for providing a support structure to the frame. The deck tile assembly further comprises at least two parallel sleepers permanently attached between two opposite sides of the frame and mounted on the plurality of bars. The deck tile assembly further comprises at least two step clip fastening devices, wherein each of the step clip fastening device is mounted on one of the at least two parallel sleepers. The deck tile assembly further comprises at least two supporting members for attaching the frame with the ground surface.