Radially Expanding Post Coupler for Flush Fence Height Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Homeowners face challenges in increasing the height of existing fences without removing and replacing steel fence posts anchored in concrete, as conventional methods either require digging or result in an unsightly increased diameter that hinders post bracket alignment.
Innovation Solution
A radially expandable post coupler system that fits inside existing fence posts, allowing for lateral expansion to secure a post extension, maintaining a flush exterior and enabling height increase without altering the post's appearance or requiring removal of the original post.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a fence post extender sleeve is used to increase fence height, then the height of the fence is increased, but the outer diameter of the post increases which creates an unsightly appearance and hinders post bracket alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The post coupler is inserted inside the existing fence post, and the post extension is inserted inside the post coupler. This nested arrangement allows the extension mechanism to be concealed within the existing post structure, maintaining the original outer diameter and appearance while enabling height increase.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the post in the radial direction (increasing diameter), the invention extends the post in the axial direction (height) by inserting the post coupler and extension inside the existing post. This dimensional shift resolves the contradiction by achieving height increase without affecting the post's outer diameter.
2Length of moving object
If the original fence posts are removed and replaced with taller posts, then the fence height is increased, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fence post system is divided into three separate components: the existing fence post, the post coupler, and the post extension. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed and assembled, simplifying the overall installation process compared to removing and replacing entire posts.
Solution Approach 2:
The post coupler is pre-inserted into the existing fence post before the post extension is added. This preliminary action prepares the structure for easy assembly, allowing the extension to be simply threaded onto the coupler's rod without requiring removal of the original post or complex installation procedures.
3Length of moving object
If a fence post extender sleeve with flared portions is used, then the post height is increased, but the increased diameter prevents post brackets from being positioned correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The post coupler is nested inside the existing fence post, maintaining the original post's outer diameter. This ensures that post brackets can be slid up and down the post in the correct position without being hindered by an increased diameter, while still achieving height extension through the nested post extension component.
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
Enables easy height adjustment of fences up to three additional feet, maintaining a seamless appearance and simplifying the process by avoiding the need to remove and replace original posts, while securely anchoring the extension within the existing post.
Implementation Method 1
A rod extends through the first and second members; the rod has a head that is disposed at a head end and threads disposed at a thread end. A nut is engaged with the threads, and rotating the nut causes the first member to extend in a first lateral direction and causes the second cylindrical member to extend in a second lateral direction opposite the first radial direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A post coupler expands laterally. The post coupler includes a first member that is hollow and has a first slanted face. A second member is also hollow and has a second slanted face that is abutted with the first slanted face. A rod extends through the first and second members; the rod has a head that is disposed at a head end and threads disposed at a thread end. A nut is engaged with the threads, and rotating the nut causes the first member to extend in a first lateral direction and causes the second cylindrical member to extend in a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction.