Fence Panel Housing with Sliding Profile for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fence systems face issues with panel expansion and contraction due to temperature variations, leading to deformation and complex installation processes, which are time-consuming and costly, and do not allow for easy angle adjustments between panels.
Innovation Solution
A modular fence system with elastic interlocking connection means, including a slide and rail structure, allows for translational movement within the post's housing, absorbing expansion and contraction while enabling panel alignment and angle creation between consecutive panels without additional structural elements or complex calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rigid connection means are used to fix panels to posts, then structural stability is improved, but the panels cannot accommodate expansion and contraction movements, leading to deformation and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic system where the panel can move relative to the post. The housing allows the panel to slide vertically along the post axis, enabling the connection to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system changes the positional parameter of the panel relative to the post. By allowing vertical movement within the housing, the system accommodates changes in panel length due to temperature variations, preventing deformation while maintaining stable attachment.
2Ease of operation
If conventional fixed installation methods are used, then installation simplicity is improved, but operators must perform complex calculations and repeated measurements to account for temperature variations, increasing installation time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system performs the complex adaptation to temperature variations automatically through its mechanical design. The panel's vertical movement within the housing self-adjusts to thermal expansion and contraction, eliminating the need for operators to perform calculations or make repeated measurements during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic connection allows the fence structure to automatically adapt to environmental conditions without human intervention. The sliding mechanism provides real-time adjustment to panel position based on thermal effects, simplifying the installation process while ensuring proper accommodation of temperature variations.
3Strength
If conventional rigid connection structures are used, then structural strength is improved, but the system cannot allow angle adjustments between consecutive panels, reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system introduces rotational freedom around the post axis while maintaining vertical constraint. This allows consecutive panels to form angles with each other while the panel remains securely attached to the post, combining connection strength with angular adaptability for versatile fence configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection means separates the functions of vertical support and angular positioning. The housing provides vertical stability and strength, while the panel can rotate independently within the housing to achieve desired angles, dividing the structural functions to enable both strength and versatility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If buffer elements are added between posts and panels to absorb expansion forces, then panel movement accommodation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer function is merged into the connection housing itself rather than being a separate component. The housing structure integrates the movement accommodation mechanism, eliminating the need for additional buffer elements and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to absorb expansion forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the buffer function from being a separate mechanical element and transforms it into the inherent capability of the housing structure. The housing's design inherently provides the movement absorption capability, removing the need for distinct buffer components and simplifying the overall system.
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
The system prevents deformation, simplifies installation by eliminating the need for on-site calculations, and allows for flexible panel alignment and angle adjustments, ensuring longevity and cost-effectiveness of the fence system.
Implementation Method 1
means for assembling the panel (2) to the post (1) comprising a section (4) designed capable of extending between the side walls (31, 32), to close the housing (3), having an outer face (40) provided with means for fastening of the panel (2), and which is mounted movable in translation, along an axis Y perpendicular to the axis X, in the housing (3)
Implementation Method 2
the panels expand and shrink permanently, under the effect of the daily or seasonal temperature variations to which they are subjected
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a module for constructing, in particular, a fence 1, comprising a post (10) with axis X, a panel (2), and means for assembling the panel to the post (10), said post (10) being equipped with at least one housing (3) delimited by a base (30) extending in a plane parallel to the axis X and two opposing lateral walls (31, 32). It is characterized in that said assembly means comprise a profile (4) designed to extend between said lateral walls (31, 32) to close said housing (3), said profile (4) being mounted to move in translation within said housing (3) along an axis Y perpendicular to the axis X and having an external face (40) provided with means for securing said panel (2).