Fence Post Clamping Block for Grid Mat Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fence systems require complex fastening technologies with multiple parts to secure grid mats to fence posts, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

The use of U-shaped cross-section support and clamping blocks made of plastic with extension beads and fixing slots, combined with cold-rolled hollow metal profiles and a cover profile with punched-out engagement webs, simplifies the connection by reducing the number of individual parts and enhancing stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex fastening technology with multiple parts is used to secure grid mats to fence posts, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of assembly deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of individual parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated U-shaped clamping block that simultaneously provides support, clamping, and positioning features. The clamping block integrates the U-legs for support, extension beads for clamping, and fixing slots for positioning, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The U-shaped clamping block serves multiple functions: it supports the grid mat horizontally via U-legs, clamps the grid mat securely through extension beads, and provides fixing slots for vertical rod insertion. This multi-functional design reduces the number of individual parts needed while ensuring reliable connection between grid mats and fence posts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple individual parts are used for fastening, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of operation and assembly time deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrid/post connection stabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping block is segmented into functional zones: U-legs for horizontal support, extension beads for clamping force, and fixing slots for vertical positioning. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function efficiently while being part of a single integrated component, improving assembly ease without compromising connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping block is pre-formed with integrated features including U-legs, extension beads, and fixing slots during manufacturing. This preliminary integration of fastening features eliminates the need for on-site assembly of multiple separate components, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining connection stability through the pre-engineered multi-functional design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If traditional fastening methods with multiple components are used, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrid/mat connection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple fastening components into a single U-shaped clamping block that can be manufactured as one integrated plastic component using injection molding. This consolidation maintains connection strength through integrated structural features while significantly simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing production costs compared to assembling multiple separate metal fastening parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping block is made from plastic material that provides sufficient strength for grid mat connection while allowing complex integrated geometries to be formed through molding. This use of composite material properties enables the creation of multi-functional fastening features in a single manufacturing step, maintaining connection strength while improving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

This solution provides a reliable and efficient grid/post connection with fewer parts, facilitating easier assembly and a visually appealing, secure attachment of grid mats to fence posts, while preventing corrosion through laser-welded seams and protective foil.

Implementation Method 1

the edges of the metal sheets forming the profiles that abut one another during the profiling being laser-welded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser welding: Laser Beam Welding

Implementation Method 2

which can be fixed to the respective fence post by a plastic bracket, which in turn is acted upon by an expansion screw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExpansion:

Data Source

PatentEP2020473B1Fence with hollow metal profiles fence posts and grid mats
Publication Date: 2013.01.16 GEBHARDT STAHL
  • EP2020473B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2020473B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2020473B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The fence (1) has fence posts (2) and grid mats (3) formed as a metal hollow profile. The grid mats are fixed to the fence posts with a clamping plate (12). Plastic bearing and clamping blocks (4), which are U-shaped in cross-section, are fastenable to the fence posts. Boundary edges of a U-side piece exhibit an extension bead that is aligned upwardly in an usage position. Each boundary edge has a fixing slot that runs-out from its upper edge, acts on a portion of side-piece length and points outwardly. The fence posts are formed in a trapezoidal or T-shaped manner in cross section.