Elastic Connecting Part for Plank Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching planks to a substructure for outdoor coverings fail to prevent moisture damage and allow for dimensional changes due to swelling or shrinking, leading to instability and damage, especially when using wood or wood-plastic materials.
Innovation Solution
A connecting part that rests on the substructure and the underside of adjacent planks, with elastic projections fitting into flat, wide grooves on the planks' side surfaces, allowing for elastic compression to accommodate dimensional changes while minimizing moisture retention, and is detachable and easy to produce.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If planks are attached directly to the substructure with screws or nails, then the attachment method is simple and requires no additional fasteners, but the plank heads are visible (aesthetic disadvantage) and moisture can accumulate between the planks and substructure causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting part made of elastic material is introduced as an intermediary between the plank and substructure. This connecting part includes a foot portion that contacts the substructure, a neck portion that extends into the gap between planks, and connecting projections that engage with grooves in the plank. The intermediary component prevents direct contact between plank and substructure, eliminating moisture accumulation while maintaining secure attachment.
2Ease of operation
If planks are attached directly to the substructure, then the attachment is straightforward, but planks cannot accommodate dimensional changes from swelling or shrinking, leading to bulging or excessive loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting part is made of elastic material that can change its physical parameters (compression and expansion) in response to dimensional changes in the planks. When planks swell, the elastic connecting part compresses to accommodate the increased size; when planks shrink, it expands to maintain contact. This parameter change capability allows the attachment system to adapt to dimensional variations without compromising security or causing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting part introduces dynamic characteristics to the otherwise static attachment system. The elastic material allows the connecting part to dynamically adjust its shape and position in response to plank movement, swelling, or shrinking. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous secure engagement while accommodating natural dimensional changes of the planks over time.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fastening parts extend into the gap between planks and under them to prevent moisture damage, then moisture protection is improved, but the fastening requires special tools for production and cannot be used with grooved planks or brittle materials
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting part is constructed from elastic material that forms a flexible structure capable of extending into the gap between planks and under them without requiring special production tools. The flexibility of the elastic material allows it to be pressed into position and adapt to various plank configurations, including grooved planks and brittle materials, while maintaining moisture protection by preventing direct contact between planks and substructure.
4Ease of manufacture
If flat connecting parts are used between planks and substructure, then assembly is easier, but moisture can accumulate and dimensional changes cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting part transitions from a rigid flat structure to an elastic component capable of parameter changes. The elastic material allows the connecting part to compress and expand vertically, accommodating dimensional changes in planks while maintaining the flat configuration for easy assembly. This elasticity prevents moisture accumulation by ensuring continuous contact with the substructure through the foot portion while allowing for plank movement.
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 solution effectively prevents moisture damage and maintains plank stability through elastic compression, ensuring secure fastening without gaps for moisture penetration, even with dimensional changes, and allows for easy assembly and replacement of planks.
Implementation Method 1
the material of the connecting parts in the area that rests on the grooves in the planks is elastically compressible by several millimeters in the direction of the width of the slot between the planks
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The fastening structure has a connection portion (1) comprising a resilient projection (1.3) provided in side surface of two neighboring screeds (2). The resilient projection is formed with the groove (2.1). The connection portion is provided between the neighboring screeds. A screw or nail is made to pass through the groove to connect the screed to the sub-construction (3). The width of groove is three times as large as the depth of the groove. The groove is bend at 50?O.