Fence Post Hollow Profile Slot Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fence systems are complex to assemble, require numerous fasteners, and are aesthetically unpleasing due to visible fasteners and exposed cut edges, with limitations in accommodating temperature-related changes in length and opacity configurations.

Innovation Solution

A fence system with outer and inner post elements featuring a hollow profile with a slot-shaped opening, where the inner post element has through-openings aligned with the outer post's opening to securely hold fence filling elements without additional fasteners, allowing for easy assembly and flexibility in fence design, including opacity and temperature adaptation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fence systems use multiple fasteners (screws, bolts, brackets) to attach fence filling elements to posts, then the structural strength and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and aesthetic appearance deteriorate due to visible fasteners and complex assembly requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding means integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical support for fence filling elements, enables captive insertion into the hollow post, and eliminates the need for separate fasteners. This merging of support, attachment, and fastening functions into one element reduces assembly complexity while maintaining structural reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding means is designed to be inserted captively into the hollow profile of the post, creating a nested structure where the holding means resides within the post's interior space. This nesting approach consolidates components and simplifies the overall assembly by eliminating external brackets and fasteners

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If fence filling elements are made with fixed standard dimensions, then manufacturing cost and availability are improved, but the adaptability to different fence configurations and the ability to accommodate temperature-related length changes deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing availabilityVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The slot-shaped opening in the post provides a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows fence filling elements of varying lengths to be accommodated. The slot enables lateral movement and positioning adjustments, allowing the system to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining secure attachment, thus providing versatility without requiring custom-manufactured elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If fence filling elements are permanently attached to posts, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate temperature-related length changes deteriorates, causing thermal stresses that can damage the fence panels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefence stabilityVSAvoidthermal expansion accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holding means with its slot-shaped opening creates a dynamic attachment system rather than a rigid permanent connection. The slot allows the fence filling elements to move laterally within controlled limits, accommodating thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining stable attachment. This dynamic capability prevents thermal stress buildup while ensuring fence stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2905402B1Fencing system and post suitable for same
Publication Date: 2016.07.27 MUELLER MARKUS
  • EP2905402B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2905402B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2c
  • EP2905402B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4c

AI summary

A fence system with a plurality of fence infill elements (3) and posts for end-mounting the fence infill elements is proposed. The posts comprise an outer post element (1) with a hollow profile (10) having a slot-shaped opening (14) arranged parallel to its direction of extension. Captive retaining means are provided in the hollow profile, which support the fence infill elements inserted through the opening into the interior of the hollow profile. The invention provides that the retaining means comprise an inner post element (2) which has a profile section (20) with an outer cross-section complementary to the inner cross-section of the hollow profile of the outer post element. The profile section of the inner post element has a plurality of through-openings (23) arranged on its side facing the slot-shaped opening of the hollow profile when the profile section has been inserted into the hollow profile.The passage openings were aligned with the slot-shaped opening of the hollow profile in order to carry the fence infill elements by engaging both through the slot-shaped opening of the hollow profile of the outer post element and into the passage openings of the profile part of the inner post element.