Decking Support Connection Element Snap-Fit Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional decking systems face issues such as wood rot, maintenance requirements, noise due to direct plank placement on bearers, and invasive fixing methods that accelerate decay, especially in elevated areas like roof gardens and balconies.
Innovation Solution
A decking support system featuring connection elements with a hooked lever and engagement structures that provide a snap-fit mechanism between decking support elements and connection elements, allowing for a resilient and stable two-dimensional frame without invasive fastening, using materials like Aluminium and plastics for durability and low maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional wood or wood composite decking is used, then initial aesthetic appeal and ease of installation are improved, but durability and maintenance requirements deteriorate due to rot and decay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of aluminium bearers and plastic decking planks. The aluminium bearers provide structural strength and durability, while the plastic planks offer weather resistance and rot prevention. This composite approach eliminates the rot and decay issues inherent in traditional wood decking while maintaining ease of installation through the modular system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If invasive fixing means such as screws and nails are used to secure planks, then structural stability is improved, but harmful factors increase due to points of entry for water and decay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes invasive fixing means from the decking system. Instead of using screws or nails that create penetration points, the plastic planks are designed to rest on the aluminium bearers with overhangs that provide structural stability without requiring invasive fasteners. This extraction of harmful fixing elements eliminates points of entry for water and decay while maintaining the structural integrity of the decking.
3Ease of manufacture
If planks are laid directly on bearers, then installation simplicity is improved, but noise levels increase due to direct contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the bearers and planks in the form of a foam strip. This foam strip acts as a mediator that cushions the contact between the rigid aluminium bearers and plastic planks, thereby reducing noise transmission. The foam strip is easily integrated into the installation process, maintaining simplicity while effectively addressing the noise issue.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional decking systems are used, then initial cost effectiveness is improved, but loss of substance increases due to rot and deterioration over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite materials where aluminium bearers and plastic planks work together to prevent material deterioration. The aluminium provides corrosion resistance and structural stability, while the plastic planks resist rot and decay. This composite system eliminates the loss of substance associated with traditional wood decking that requires periodic maintenance and replacement.
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
The system offers a durable, low-maintenance, and noise-reduced decking solution that is adaptable to uneven surfaces, providing a stable and aesthetically pleasing surface without the drawbacks of traditional wood or wood composite decking.
Implementation Method 1
a mid-portion separated from said edge portions by a gap, and wherein said channel is provided in said edge and mid portions. The connection element of said mid portion comprises a hooked lever resiliently deformable out of the plane of the second side
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)
Figure 2(b)
AI summary
A decking support system including a plurality of decking support elements, each decking support element including a first decking support engagement feature and a second decking support engagement feature, a plurality of connection elements, each connection element including a first connection feature adapted to co-operate with said first decking support engagement feature of a decking support element, and a second connection feature adapted to co-operate with said second decking support engagement feature of a decking support element, the arrangement being such that a first of said plurality of decking support elements is engageable with a second of said plurality of decking support elements by means of one of said plurality of connection elements dependent on said respective co-operations.