Molded Fence Panel Thermal Nodes Resist Warping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fencing materials face issues such as aesthetic unattractiveness, high maintenance, brittleness, difficulty in repair, and high costs, particularly with chain link, wood, vinyl, rock, stone, and concrete fences, which are prone to warping and complex repair processes.
Innovation Solution
A molded polymeric resin fence panel with opposite plastic walls featuring a grid of traversing channels that form decorative profiles and continuous material nodes for thermal and mechanical energy transfer, allowing for easy installation, configuration, repair, and replacement, while resisting warping due to thermal differentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If molded fencing is used to simulate rock or stone, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but warping occurs due to thermal differentials on opposite sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermal energy transfer paths as intermediary elements between the opposite walls of the molded fence panel. These paths act as mediators that facilitate heat flow from one wall to the other, balancing thermal differentials and preventing warping while preserving the aesthetic molded appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the thermal parameters of the fence panel by incorporating thermal energy transfer paths that conduct heat between opposite walls. This parameter change in thermal conductivity distribution prevents thermal imbalance and the resulting warping, while maintaining the aesthetic molded shape.
2Ease of operation
If vinyl fencing is used, then maintenance requirements are reduced, but the material becomes brittle and easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction with opposite walls connected by thermal energy transfer paths, creating a structure that combines the low maintenance benefits of molded materials with enhanced strength and damage resistance through the interconnected wall system.
3Ease of manufacture
If chain link fencing is used, then cost is reduced, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates and repair becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses molded panels that copy or simulate the appearance of aesthetic fencing materials like rock or stone, while maintaining the cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacture of molded polymeric materials. The thermal energy transfer paths ensure the copied aesthetic form remains stable.
4Strength
If masonry fencing is used, then strength and durability are improved, but cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fence structure into modular components - opposite walls connected by thermal energy transfer paths - that can be manufactured separately and assembled together, reducing installation complexity while maintaining the strength and durability of masonry-like fencing.
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 solution provides a durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically appealing fence system that resists warping and is easily repairable and replaceable, with the ability to simulate various fencing materials, reducing installation and repair costs.
Implementation Method 1
The connections form a plurality of continuous material nodes of thermal and mechanical energy transfer paths between the opposite walls to transfer thermal and mechanical energy between the opposite walls
Implementation Method 2
The continuous material nodes transfer heat from one wall to the other to resist differential thermal expansion between the opposite walls, and thus resist warping of the decorative fence panel
Implementation Method 3
The connections form a plurality of continuous material nodes of thermal and mechanical energy transfer paths between the opposite walls to transfer thermal and mechanical energy between the opposite walls
Data Source
AI summary
The opposite plastic walls 20a and 20b can be made from a polymeric resin material such as thermoplastic or thermoset resin, and/or can be made from olefins, styrenes, nylons, or mixtures of these polymeric families. In one aspect, the opposite plastic walls can be formed from an olefin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or the like. In another aspect, the opposite plastic walls can be formed from a styrene, such as acrylonitrile or butadiene styrene, or the like. In still another aspect, the opposite plastic walls can be formed from a mixture of olefins and styrenes. The polymeric resin material can also be made from recycled olefin, styrene, or nylon products. It will also be appreciated that the material of the walls can include additives, such as glass, fiber, talc, UV resistive or protective materials, etc. In one aspect, plastic granules of different colors can be combined to obtain a wall color that is a composite color to more readily simulate another material.