Fence Structure With Protective Flange To Prevent Pipe Scratches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fence structures require extensive time and labor for assembly, and the outer surfaces of vertical and horizontal pipes are prone to scratching when adjusting the angle due to contact during assembly and adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A fence structure featuring a connecting board with a protective flange in the horizontal pipe to support vertical pipes, preventing contact between pipe walls by embedding the vertical pipes into a corresponsive opening, and using a cover with hooks to simplify assembly and protect the pipe surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vertical pipes are inserted into holes of horizontal pipes one by one during assembly, then the fence structure can be assembled, but the assembling process takes much time and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal pipe is divided into a main body and a separate cover component. The cover is designed with hooks that can be attached to the main body, allowing the pipe assembly to be pre-configured and reducing on-site assembly time and labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover with hooks is prepared in advance and attached to the horizontal pipe main body before installation. This preliminary assembly allows for faster on-site installation by simply connecting the pre-assembled units rather than assembling pipe by pipe during installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the angle of the fence is adjusted by changing the intersection angle between horizontal and vertical pipes, then the fence can be adapted to different configurations, but the pipe wall of the vertical pipe touches the hole wall of the horizontal pipe causing scratches and surface damage
Solution Approach 1:
A protective flange is introduced as an intermediary component between the vertical pipe and the horizontal pipe hole. The flange, made of protective material, contacts the vertical pipe outer wall instead of the hole wall, preventing direct contact and surface scratches while allowing angle adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective flange is installed in advance on the horizontal pipe, creating a cushioning layer that prevents damage before it occurs. When the vertical pipe is inserted or adjusted, the flange absorbs the potential harmful contact, protecting both pipes from scratches and surface damage.
3Ease of manufacture
If the peripheral surface of the horizontal pipe is incomplete due to a notch at the bottom, then the pipe structure can be formed, but the integrity of the peripheral surface is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The protective flange is designed with specific local properties - it is made of protective material and positioned at the critical area where the vertical pipe contacts the horizontal pipe. This local enhancement restores the integrity of the peripheral surface without requiring complete redesign of the entire pipe structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A fence structure has a plane extended from the top of a connecting board to a vertical pipe and an embedded opening formed at corresponding position for embedding the vertical pipe. A protective flange is protruded from each of two corresponding sides of the embedded opening, attached onto a horizontal pipe for passing the vertical pipe to an inner wall of a hole, and installed at a position in the same displacing direction when the angle of the vertical pipe is adjusted. The horizontal pipe is formed by a main body with an opening on the longitudinal side and a cover disposed at the opening position and coupled to the main body. While adjusting the angle of the fence, the vertical and horizontal pipes are prevented from hitting each other or scratching their outer surfaces. In addition, the time and labor of assembling the fence can be reduced.