Fence Hinge with Flanged Support Members for PVC Gates
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Solution Overview
Problem
PVC fence gates face issues with weak welded connections that can crack under normal usage and the difficulty of attaching metallic parts without tearing the PVC material, along with aesthetically unappealing and invasive connection methods.
Innovation Solution
A hinge apparatus with flanged support members that securely attach to both the PVC fence post and gate, using screws to penetrate only the surface, providing additional stability and aesthetics by distributing force across a larger surface area and covering welds for reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If support members are bolted tightly to strengthen PVC fences, then the connection strength is improved, but the PVC material caves in and the appearance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
A foam block intermediary is inserted between the support member and PVC material. The foam block distributes the clamping force over a larger area, preventing the PVC from caving in while still providing adequate holding force for the hinge attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member assembly uses a composite structure combining metal support member, foam block, and PVC material. This composite approach allows the foam to act as a compliant intermediary that protects the rigid PVC from deformation under bolt pressure.
2Ease of manufacture
If screws are used to attach metallic parts directly to PVC, then the attachment process is simplified, but the screws tend to tear out of the PVC material
Solution Approach 1:
The foam block serves as an intermediary between the screw and PVC material. Screws attach to the foam block which is already secured to the support member, rather than directly into the PVC. This distributes the load and prevents screw tear-out while maintaining simple attachment procedures.
3Strength
If nuts and bolts are used to strengthen PVC fences, then the connection strength is improved, but the connection becomes aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The visually unappealing nuts and bolts are extracted from the visible exterior and relocated to the interior or hidden portions of the fence structure. The support members are designed so that fastening hardware is not exposed on the exterior surfaces, maintaining aesthetic appearance while still providing strong connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge apparatus includes a first support member for attachment along a first surface of a vertical member such as a fence post. The first support member includes at least one flange angularly extending from the first support member for attachment along a second surface adjacent to the first surface of the vertical member. A hinge coupled to the first support member, and a second support member includes an extended element coupled to the hinge. The second support member attaches to a first surface of a swinging member, such as a fence gate, opposite the first support member. The second support member includes at least one flange angularly extending from the second support member for attachment along a second surface of the swinging member adjacent to the first surface of the swinging member.