Fence Panel Interlocking Mechanism with Hidden Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fence systems with interlocking panels lack efficient and economical solutions for hidden fasteners, easy assembly and disassembly, durability, and cost-effectiveness, with previous designs often being complex and not meeting these requirements.
Innovation Solution
A fence system featuring interlocking panels with U-shaped and G-shaped structures that hide fasteners, allowing for secure connection and easy assembly/disassembly without special tools, using rectangular panels mounted on posts with hidden screws for a durable and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional fence systems use exposed fasteners for panel connection, then structural integrity is achieved, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates due to visible hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is extracted from visible view by routing it through a hollow cavity within the panel structure. The fastener passes through the rear surface and is secured within the hollow cavity, completely hiding it from external view while maintaining its structural function of connecting adjacent panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is nested within the hollow cavity of the panel. The cavity acts as a container that houses the fastener mechanism, allowing the fastener to be embedded inside the panel structure rather than being exposed on the surface, thus achieving both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
2Reliability
If fence panels use complex interlocking mechanisms for secure connection, then reliability improves, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into simple functional components: a fastener element and a hollow cavity. This segmentation avoids complex interlocking mechanisms by dividing the connection function into basic elements that work together through simple insertion and securing actions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex outward-facing interlocking mechanisms, the design inverts the approach by using an inward-facing hollow cavity that receives and secures the fastener. This inversion simplifies the external appearance and reduces mechanism complexity while maintaining connection security.
3Reliability
If fence systems require special tools for assembly, then connection reliability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow cavity structure enables self-service assembly where the fastener is simply inserted into the cavity and secured, allowing assembly with basic hand tools. The design does not require specialized equipment or complex tooling, making it accessible for DIY installation while maintaining reliable connections.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a fence system having a plurality of panel assemblies. The panel assemblies of the plurality of panel assemblies interconnect to one another, whereby first and second interlocking structures extend along planes of each panel assembly to mount onto an adjacent panel assembly. The first interlocking structure has an intermediate wall and the second interlocking structure has a fastening wall that hides a fastener passing through the intermediate wall when panel assemblies of the plurality of panel assemblies are interconnected to one another. The plurality of panel assemblies mounts onto at least two posts.