Deck Tile Assembly with Step Clips for Uneven Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deck tiles require joist beams or wooden frames and are not durable enough for uneven surfaces, leading to instability and safety hazards due to loose fastening means.
Innovation Solution
A deck tile assembly with a frame, parallel sleepers, step clip fastening devices, and hooking connectors that allow secure attachment to uneven surfaces using stakes, providing a stable and durable solution for deck boards without the need for extensive surface leveling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional deck tiles use height adjustable support attachments on uneven surfaces, then the deck tiles can be installed on uneven ground, but the plastic attachments are not durable and robust enough to support deck boards for a long duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces durable metal components with plastic attachments that are easier to manufacture and install. The plastic height-adjustable support attachments and step clips are designed as cost-effective, easily replaceable components that sacrifice long-term durability for ease of installation and lower cost, aligning with the principle of using cheaper, shorter-lived objects.
2Stability of the object's composition
If deck boards are screwed down at each end of the deck to hold them, then the deck boards are secured, but the fastening means loosen up due to impact or vibrations generated by walking on the deck tiles
Solution Approach 1:
The step clips are designed with elastic or flexible properties that allow them to dynamically adjust to the movement and vibration of the deck boards during use. This dynamic capability enables the fastening system to maintain secure attachment despite repeated loading and vibration, preventing the loosening problem associated with rigid fasteners.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fastening means such as nails or screws are used to hold deck boards, then the deck boards are secured, but the fastening means can be hazardous to individuals walking on the deck boards in case a head of a nail is raised above the deck board surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plastic step clips and attachments instead of traditional metal fasteners. These plastic components eliminate the safety hazard of protruding nail or screw heads while maintaining adequate securing capability. The plastic material provides a smooth, safe surface that cannot protrude or injure users, aligning with the principle of using cheaper, safer alternative materials.
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.