Fence Fastener Cover Element for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noise barrier and protective fence structures face issues due to thermal expansion, where sound insulation elements and protective nets can move or become loose because of failing fasteners, leading to structural problems.
Innovation Solution
The use of form-locking fastener elements fitted onto vertical posts, combined with an adapter part and cover element that securely attaches the protective netting and sound insulation elements, eliminating the need for screws and addressing thermal expansion issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws or similar fastener elements are used to fasten sound insulating elements and protective nets, then the structure can be securely fastened, but the fasteners may break due to thermal expansion causing movement and loosening
Solution Approach 1:
A cover element is introduced as an intermediary component between the fastener elements and the external environment. This cover element protects the fastening system from thermal expansion effects while maintaining secure fastening of sound insulating elements and protective nets to vertical posts
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element is installed beforehand to prevent thermal expansion damage before it can affect the fastener elements. By covering the fastening area in advance, the system is protected from the harmful effects of thermal expansion that would otherwise cause screws to break and fastenings to loosen
2Object-affected harmful factors
If form-locking fastener elements are used without screws, then thermal expansion damage is reduced, but the space between fastener elements becomes exposed and unprotected
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element serves as a mediating structure that fills the space between form-locking fastener elements. It provides protection and coverage for the exposed areas while allowing the form-locking fasteners to function without screw connections, thus resolving both the thermal expansion issue and the exposed space vulnerability
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element combines multiple functions: it covers the exposed space between fasteners, protects the form-locking mechanism, and maintains the aesthetic appearance of the fence structure. By merging these functions into a single component, the solution addresses both protection needs simultaneously
3Device complexity
If protective netting and sound insulating elements are made as long as the distance between vertical posts, then the structure is simplified, but thermal expansion causes movement and structural problems
Solution Approach 1:
The protective netting and sound insulating elements are segmented into multiple sections that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each segment to accommodate thermal expansion movements without compromising the overall structural stability, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing the protective netting and sound insulating elements to move slightly with thermal expansion. The form-locking fastener elements with cover elements provide a dynamic connection that maintains structural stability while accommodating dimensional changes
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
This solution effectively covers and protects the space between fasteners, ensures secure fastening of protective netting, facilitates easy installation and dismantling, and provides a cost-effective and simple arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
fastener elements which have been fitted onto the vertical posts by means of form locking
Implementation Method 2
an elongated cover element which has been arranged to cover and protect the space in between the two fastener elements
Implementation Method 3
adapter part and cover element that securely attaches the protective netting and sound insulation elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3e
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
An arrangement in a fence structure, comprising at least of vertical posts (3) at a distance from each other and of wall structures (1) fitted in between the vertical posts (3) and connecting the vertical posts (3), and in which fence structure the wall structure (1) fitted in between two vertical posts (3) has been supported on the vertical posts (3) by at least the fastener elements (4a), which are essentially parallel to the vertical posts (3), and which have been fitted to the vertical posts (3) by at least on one side of the fence structure. On a vertical post (3) where there are two fastener elements (4a) on at least one side of the wall structure, the space in between the fastener elements (4a) has been covered by an elongated cover element (12) that is essentially parallel to the vertical post (3).