Chain Link Fence Holder Structure for Secure Aligned Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chain link fences pose challenges for securely attaching items due to their stepped topology, leading to insecure gripping, skewing, and nonuniform alignment of signage or objects, especially when traditional mounting methods fail to account for the diamond-shaped meshwork holes with wires in different planes.
Innovation Solution
A holder apparatus with a flat base and legs that attach to both shallow and deep planes of the chain link fence, featuring wire engaging features like lips or grooves to securely grip the fence, allowing for stable attachment and display of items or signage, and optionally incorporating deformable materials or hook-and-loop fasteners for versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used on chain link fences, then installation is simple, but the attachment is insecure and objects become dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into multiple functional segments: a base portion for positioning, multiple legs extending from the base to engage with fence wires, and wire engaging features on the legs. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, providing secure attachment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder utilizes the third dimension by extending legs perpendicular to the base in multiple directions. The legs project toward and engage with wires in both shallow and deep planes of the diamond-shaped meshwork, creating a three-dimensional engagement structure that securely attaches to the multi-planar fence geometry.
2Manufacturing precision
If objects are attached to chain link fences, then signage or displays can be created, but skewing and nonuniform alignment occur due to stepped topology
Solution Approach 1:
The holder employs asymmetric leg configurations where different legs have different lengths and orientations. Specifically, some legs are designed to engage wires in shallow planes while others engage wires in deep planes. This asymmetric design compensates for the stepped topology of the chain link fence, ensuring uniform alignment of attached objects despite the non-uniform wire positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder design incorporates variable parameters in leg length and orientation to adapt to the stepped topology. By changing the geometric parameters of the legs (lengths, angles, positions), the holder can accommodate the varying wire positions in shallow and deep planes, achieving uniform alignment across different mounting locations.
3Productivity
If plastic cups are inserted into meshwork holes for signage, then team names or messages can be displayed, but a large number of cups are required and insertion is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The holder combines multiple wire engagement functions into a single integrated component. Instead of requiring multiple separate plastic cups or sign elements to achieve secure attachment and display, the holder merges the positioning base, multiple engagement legs, and wire-gripping features into one unified device that can be installed as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides: (1) secure attachment to the fence through multiple wire engagements, (2) alignment reference for uniform signage installation, (3) support for displaying objects or signage, and (4) adaptability to different wire positions in the meshwork. This universality eliminates the need for multiple specialized components.
4Reliability
If objects are placed on benches or ground for beverage consumption, then drinks can be held, but they are easily toppled, spilled, or soiled
Solution Approach 1:
The holder's legs automatically engage with the fence wires through their geometric configuration and elastic properties. The wire engaging features on the legs self-adjust to grip the wires securely without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or complex assembly steps, providing stable beverage holding capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for manufacturing an apparatus for attaching items to a chain link fence. The apparatus has a flat base with an attachment side having legs with grooves or lips to hook or attach to a chain link fence. The apparatus has a utility side opposite the attachment side. The utility side may be substantially flat to display symbols so that multiple apparatus form a sign. The utility side may include an integral beverage holder, hooks, tiedown loops, or a hook-and-loop fastener. The utility side may be integral to the side of a bottle, such that the bottle may be supported by a chain link fence. The utility side may support a clasp system, where one portion of the clasp is attached to the base of the apparatus, and the second portion of the clasp is attached to an item to be supported, such that the item may be attached to the base or removed from the base by engaging or disengaging the clasp.