Fence Post Shaped Hole for Uneven Terrain Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fence posts struggle to accommodate fence rails over uneven terrain and curving sections, leading to custom hole formation and off-center rail placement, which complicates manufacturing and installation.

Innovation Solution

Fence posts with shaped holes featuring a central smaller diameter section and flanking larger diameter sections, along with beveled transitions, allow fence rails to be supported at various angles, maintaining a centered appearance and facilitating easy installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If horizontal holes with diameter slightly larger than rail are formed in posts, then rails fit precisely on level terrain, but rails cannot accommodate uneven terrain or curving sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain adaptabilityVSAvoidhole diameter precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The hole is segmented into three distinct sections: a central smaller-diameter section and two flanking larger-diameter sections. This segmentation allows the rail to be positioned precisely in the central section while the flanking sections provide clearance for angle adjustments to accommodate uneven terrain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the hole have different diameters tailored to specific functions: the central section provides precise positioning for the rail, while the flanking sections provide larger clearance for accommodating angle variations due to uneven terrain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If oversized holes are drilled in posts to accommodate rails at an angle, then uneven terrain is accommodated, but rails appear off-center and aesthetic quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain adaptabilityVSAvoidvisual centering

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The central smaller-diameter section acts as an intermediary that maintains the visual centering of the rail, while the flanking larger-diameter sections provide the necessary clearance for angle adjustments. This intermediary structure allows the rail to appear centered while still accommodating terrain variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If custom hole formation is performed at the site, then terrain-specific fit is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain-specific fitVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The shaped hole with its specific three-section configuration is formed during mass production of the posts, before installation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for custom drilling at the installation site, significantly improving installation speed while maintaining terrain adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shaped hole design provides universal adaptability to various terrain conditions through its geometry alone, eliminating the need for site-specific customization. The same post design works for level terrain, uneven terrain, and curving sections, streamlining both manufacturing and installation processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8336862B2Fence post

Publication Date: 2012.12.25 PRIEFERT MFG

AI summary

A fence post for use in building a post and rail fence over varying terrain or of varying curvature. The post is perforated by a hole having a reduced diameter center section that is flanked on either side by an enlarged diameter section. The posts thus permit the support of rails that are not restricted to a straight, horizontal orientation and provide and improved overall appearance.