Fence Post Retention Plate with Segmented Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining plates for fence posts require non-planar shapes or special fastening, increasing manufacturing and handling costs, and bulk, while failing to enhance retention without additional steps.
Innovation Solution
A retention plate with central openings for securing protrusions and additional peripheral and interior openings that resist extraction, allowing for planar design and no special attachment, enhancing resistance without extra bulk or steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If non-planar bends or protrusions are added to the retention plate to enhance retention, then the resistance against fence post removal is improved, but the bulk and handling size of the retention plate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention plate is segmented with multiple openings (central opening for post insertion, peripheral openings for soil engagement, and interior openings for structural reinforcement) that create distinct functional zones. This segmentation allows the plate to achieve enhanced retention through distributed soil interaction rather than requiring monolithic non-planar structures, thereby maintaining a compact form factor while improving resistance against post removal.
2Reliability
If special fastening arrangements are used to secure the retention plate to the fence post, then the retention effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and installation steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention plate features a self-securing mechanism where the central opening receives the fence post's securing protrusion, and the plate is then upset or peened to mechanically lock itself to the post without requiring separate fasteners. This self-service approach achieves reliable retention while eliminating the need for additional fastening components and installation steps, directly resolving the contradiction between retention effectiveness and manufacturing/installation complexity.
3Strength
If non-planar bends or protrusions are added to enhance retention, then the resistance against fence post removal is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention plate utilizes parameter changes in the opening configurations (varying sizes, shapes, and positions of central, peripheral, and interior openings) to optimize retention performance. These parameter variations are achieved through standard metal forming and punching operations rather than complex non-planar bending, allowing for cost-effective manufacturing while still achieving enhanced resistance against post removal through optimized soil interaction patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
A fence comprising a plurality of T-shaped fence posts, each secured to a retention plate having securing protrusions formed thereon, a lower end of the fence post and the retention plate configured to be inserted into soil to position the fence post in a desired orientation. A plate body of the retention plate comprises a plate body including central openings for receiving a plurality of the securing protrusions formed on the fence post. The plate body has a periphery with a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges. The plate body has a plurality of additional openings therein. Also, a retention plate and a T-shaped fence post.