Adjustable Fence Post Coupler for Correcting Tilted Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fence installation methods often result in uneven fence posts due to the difficulty in maintaining perfect levelness during concrete setting, and existing solutions like shims require multiple people and are not always precise.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable fence post coupler system comprising a flexible strap with connected tubes and swivel attachments, featuring connection bolts and nuts for precise alignment and adjustment, allowing for the correction of tilting fence posts during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If shims are used to correct tilting fence posts, then alignment precision is improved, but installation complexity increases requiring multiple people
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler acts as an intermediary device between the fence post and the fence panel. It includes a strap that wraps around the post and connection mechanisms that attach to the panel, providing a mediating structure that enables precise alignment without requiring multiple people to manually position and shim the panel directly against the post.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler incorporates adjustable components including bolts with threaded holes, movable connection points along the strap, and rotating adjustment mechanisms. These dynamic elements allow the installer to fine-tune the position and angle of the fence panel after initial attachment, enabling precise alignment that can be adjusted and refined during the installation process itself.
2Productivity
If fence posts are set in concrete without preliminary support structures, then installation speed is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates resulting in tilted posts
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed to be attached to the fence post before the concrete fully sets. The strap wraps around the post and the connection mechanisms are positioned in advance, creating a preliminary support structure that maintains proper alignment during the critical concrete setting period. This preliminary action prevents the post from tilting while the concrete cures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler includes adjustment mechanisms that provide feedback capability. After the concrete sets and the post is firmly in place, the installer can use the adjustable bolts and movable connection points to check the alignment and make precise corrections. The system allows for verification and adjustment based on the actual position of the post after installation.
3Device complexity
If fence panels are directly attached to posts, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates when posts are not perfectly aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into distinct functional components: the strap that wraps around the post, the connection mechanisms that attach to the panel, and the adjustment elements in between. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the strap provides secure attachment to the post, while the connection mechanisms provide adjustable attachment to the panel, enabling adaptability without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler is designed as a universal attachment device that can accommodate various post positions and angles. The adjustable bolts, movable connection points, and rotating mechanisms allow the same basic coupler design to work with posts that are perfectly aligned, slightly tilted, or at different heights, providing multi-functionality that adapts to different installation scenarios without requiring multiple specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable fence post coupler is shown and described. The adjustable fence post coupler includes a fence connection plate. The fence connection plate has a plurality of apertures located through the plate. The apertures are configured to allow for fasteners to be placed though and into the fence securing the fence connection plate to the fence. The fence connection plate is connected to at least two connection bolts. The connection bolts are connected to a fence post coupler strap. The connection strap has at least two tubes attached to the connection strap. The connection bolts go through the tubes securing them to the fence post coupler strap. The fence post coupler strap is connected to a fence post. The adjustable fence post coupler is used to adjust the distance from the fence post that the fence is installed at. This allows for a perfectly linear fence.