Fence Bracket With Flexible Bent Portion for Shrinkage Accommodation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for attaching fence stringers to posts fail to maintain a strong connection when the members undergo shrinkage or movement due to environmental forces like wind or ground shifting, leading to weakened attachments.
Innovation Solution
A uniquely shaped connector with a central planar attachment area and peripheral areas that can flex and bend, using elongated fasteners with tips to secure the stringer and post, allowing for movement accommodation and easy attachment, while being cost-effective and easy to install.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connector is used to attach the fence stringer to the post, then the connection strength is improved, but the connector cannot accommodate shrinkage or movement of the wooden members
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic one by incorporating a bent portion that can flex and bend. This bent portion acts as a flexible joint that allows the connector to adapt to movements and shrinkage of the wooden members while maintaining attachment strength, directly resolving the contradiction between rigidity for strength and flexibility for adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex shaped connector is designed to accommodate movement, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional portions: a central portion for attaching to the stringer, peripheral portions for attaching to the post, and a bent portion connecting them. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing by using standard attachment methods (nails, screws) at each interface, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adaptability through the bent portion
3Strength
If the connector material is made thick and rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the strength is improved, but the ability to flex and bend is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector applies local quality by having different portions with different structural characteristics. The central and peripheral attachment areas maintain sufficient thickness and rigidity for strong connections, while the bent portion connecting them is designed with appropriate geometry to allow flexing. This localized differentiation enables the connector to be both strong where needed and flexible where required
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 connector effectively maintains a strong connection between the stringer and post despite shrinkage or movement, ensuring stability and ease of installation at a lower cost.
Implementation Method 1
forming the connector so that it can flex and bend between the area of attachment to the post and the area of attachment to the fence stringer
Data Source
AI summary
A connector attached to the end face of a supported member where fasteners are driven through the connector into the end face of the supported member, and then the supported member with the attached connector is positioned to interface on the supporting member with jutting peripheral attachment areas of the connector exposed and available for receiving fasteners that will attach the connector and the fence stringer to the supporting member.