Fence Post Support Structure with Controlled Deformation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fencing posts lack directional control in deformation, leading to unpredictable oscillations and inadequate impact absorption, posing safety risks, especially in sports facilities with children, as they can cause unintended injuries due to uncontrolled movements.
Innovation Solution
A supporting structure with a base that includes a box body housing the post, featuring hinging and rotational displacement means, along with horizontal and vertical spring mechanisms for controlled one-directional movement and dampening, ensuring the post deforms only from inside to outside and returns to its original position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rigid posts are used, then structural strength is maintained, but safety is compromised due to uncontrolled oscillations causing trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid posts with a dynamic system comprising a base, box body, and post assembly that can move and deform in response to impact forces. The horizontal displacement means and rotational displacement means enable the post to dynamically respond to forces while the spring means provide controlled resistance, transforming the static rigid structure into a dynamic safety system that absorbs energy through controlled motion.
2Loss of energy
If resilient posts with rubber elements are used, then impact absorption is improved, but directional control of oscillation is lost leading to unpredictable movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the post system into distinct functional components: a base for support, a box body for housing, a post element for structural function, horizontal displacement means for lateral movement control, rotational displacement means for rotational control, and spring means for energy absorption. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, ensuring both impact absorption and directional control are achieved through coordinated action of the segmented elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the spring means as an intermediary element between the post and the base/box body. The spring means mediate the transmission of forces, providing controlled resistance to horizontal and rotational displacements while allowing motion. This intermediary component ensures that impact energy is absorbed in a controlled manner while maintaining directional stability, preventing unpredictable oscillations.
3Strength
If posts with limited deformation capability are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but impact absorption is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the mechanical properties of the post system through the spring means. The spring means change the stiffness parameter of the overall structure, allowing the system to exhibit both rigidity (maintaining structural integrity) and flexibility (absorbing impact energy). The spring constant and pre-compression parameters are optimized to provide appropriate resistance during normal operation while allowing controlled deformation during impact events.
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 safer fencing system by allowing controlled, one-directional deformation and enhanced impact absorption, significantly reducing the risk of injuries and ensuring the post returns to its initial position, thereby enhancing user safety.
Implementation Method 1
horizontal and vertical spring means, kept in steady engagement with said base and said post, respectively
Implementation Method 2
horizontal and vertical spring means, kept in steady engagement with said base and said post, respectively
Implementation Method 3
said horizontal displacement and rotation means consist of hinging means passing through horizontal eyelets provided on the lateral parallel walls of the box body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A supporting structure for fences is disclosed consisting of a base consisting of a bottom plate from which a box body open on one side and partly on the top surface projects which houses and supports a post, characterised in that in said structure horizontal and rotational displacement means of said post are provided with respect to said base, as well as adjustment means of the horizontal and rotational sliding motion of said post with respect to said base.