Fence Bracket System with Ground-Penetrating Anchors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temporary and semi-permanent fencing systems face challenges such as tripping hazards, instability due to wind loading, and high installation costs, particularly when dealing with uneven ground surfaces and soft ground conditions.

Innovation Solution

A fence bracket system that includes a fence bracket with a body having a base, front wall, and side walls, featuring a support configured to connect to a fence post and an aperture for receiving ancillary components. The system also includes ground-penetrating members for securing the bracket to soft ground and anchor bolts for hardstanding, reducing the footprint and tripping hazards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional concrete blocks are used to retain fence posts, then the fence structure is stable, but the blocks present tripping hazards and are heavy and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefence structure stabilityVSAvoidtripping hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the traditional monolithic concrete block into separate functional components: a ground receiving portion that embeds into the ground and a fence post retaining portion that holds the fence post. This segmentation allows the fence assembly to be positioned without extending blocks across the pavement surface, eliminating tripping hazards while maintaining structural stability through proper ground embedding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the harmful aspect (extending blocks across pavement) from the functional aspect (retaining fence posts). By using ground-penetrating members that anchor into the ground rather than surface-level concrete blocks, the solution removes the tripping hazard while preserving the fence post retention function through the receiving portion embedded in the ground.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If fence posts are secured with concrete in soft ground, then the fence is stable, but installation costs increase and concrete movement occurs in wet conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefence stabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the chemical bonding mechanism of concrete with a mechanical anchoring system. Ground-penetrating members with threading or expansion mechanisms provide secure mechanical attachment to the ground, eliminating the need for concrete pouring and curing. This substitution reduces installation cost and complexity while providing reliable fence post retention even in soft or wet ground conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the installation parameters from wet concrete pouring to dry mechanical assembly. The ground-penetrating members can be installed in various ground conditions without requiring wet concrete, and the fence brackets can be assembled and installed in a dry state, simplifying the installation process and reducing costs while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If blocks are placed across pavement and lower ground to accommodate uneven surfaces, then the fence can be installed, but the fence assembly becomes unstable and prone to tipping under wind loading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate uneven groundVSAvoidfence assembly stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the grounding function from the fence retention function. The ground-penetrating members embed vertically into the ground at the fence location, providing stable anchoring without requiring horizontal extension across uneven surfaces. This allows the fence to be installed on uneven ground while maintaining stability, as each fence post is independently anchored to the ground below rather than relying on surface-level blocks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If heavy concrete blocks are used for fence post retention, then the fence is stable, but installation requires multiple workers due to weight limits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefence structure stabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the weight parameter of the retention system from heavy concrete blocks to lightweight metal ground-penetrating members and fence brackets. These components can be easily handled by single installers while providing equivalent or superior stability through mechanical anchoring to the ground. The reduced weight enables easier transportation and installation without requiring multiple workers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250137288A1Fence bracket and fence bracket system

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 SHPB LTD

AI summary

A fence bracket (10), a fence bracket system, a kit of parts. a fence assembly and a method of manufacturing a fence bracket are described. The fence bracket (10) is suitable for use with a fence panel. The fence bracket has a body (12) having a base (14), a front wall (20). a first side wall (16) and a second side wall (18): and a support (22). The support (22) is provided on the front wall (20). The support (22) is configured to connect to a fence post. The front wall (20) has a region comprising an aperture (30) suitable for receiving an ancillary component (70).