Landscape Edging Connector With Insertion Tab

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for joining segments of round-top style commercial landscape edging are hazardous, time-consuming, and insecure, requiring frequent maintenance due to the need for cutting and multiple steps in the connection process, and are prone to separation over time.

Innovation Solution

A connector system featuring a body that inserts into the cylindrical portion of the edging with a ridge and a tab that can be fastened to the panel, allowing for secure and efficient connection of edging segments without the need for cutting, using a design that can be either solid or hollow, with optional ribs and apertures for enhanced stability and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional cutting and multi-step connection methods are used to join landscape edging segments, then the connection can be achieved, but the process becomes hazardous, time-consuming, and insecure requiring frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection speedVSAvoidconnection process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion that inserts into the cylindrical portion of edging segments, a ridge that provides structural support and alignment, and a tab that enables attachment to panels. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick connection without complex multi-step processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector acts as an intermediary component between two landscape edging segments. Rather than directly connecting segments through cutting and fastening, the connector mediates the connection by inserting into the cylindrical portions and attaching to panels via the tab, simplifying the overall connection process into a single integrated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If cutting is required to join edging segments, then connection is possible, but the risk of injury increases and the process becomes more hazardous

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidconnection method simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hazardous cutting step is completely extracted and removed from the connection process. The connector design allows segments to be joined through insertion and fastening alone, eliminating the need for any cutting operations and thereby removing the associated safety risks while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed as an inexpensive, simple component that replaces complex and hazardous connection methods. By using a low-cost plastic connector instead of metal fasteners and cutting tools, the system achieves both safety and ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If multiple steps are used in the connection process, then secure attachment can be achieved, but the time required increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connection functions are merged into a single integrated connector component. The body, ridge, and tab work together as one unit to simultaneously provide insertion, alignment, and attachment functions, reducing the connection process to a single operational step while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is pre-formed with its functional geometry (body shape, ridge position, tab orientation) during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the installer to simply insert and fasten without performing any additional shaping, cutting, or preparation steps, thereby securing reliable connection quickly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Duration of action of stationary object

If traditional connectors are used, then edging segments can be joined, but separation occurs over time requiring frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection durabilityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The body of the connector is designed with a curved, cylindrical shape that matches the curvature of the edging segment's cylindrical portion. This curved geometry provides superior contact surface area and mechanical interlocking compared to flat or angular connectors, preventing separation over time and eliminating frequent maintenance requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS9043960B2Landscape edging connector

Publication Date: 2015.06.02 BALLARD JEFFREY

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods for connecting two segments of commercial landscape edging. Typically, landscape edging has a cylindrical portion that sits on or above the ground and a panel that inserts into the ground. A connector can be used to link together pieces of edging to form a continuous edge. In embodiments, a connector includes a body that can be inserted into the cylindrical portion of two pieces of landscape edging. The connector can include a ridge and a tab that extends from the body, such that when the body is inserted into the cylindrical portion of edging, the tab is adjacent to the panels of edging. One or more fasteners can be used to attach the edging panels to the tab of the connector, joining two pieces of edging via the connector.