Flexible Railing Bracket Sliding Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deck railing support structures and brackets are not adaptable to non-rectangular railing profiles and require the use of fasteners, clamps, or adhesives for attachment, which limits their versatility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A bracket design that slides longitudinally along the railing while being held firmly laterally, using a flexible material with a slip-resistant mounting platform that conforms to the railing's profile, allowing for snap-on attachment without fasteners or adhesives, and featuring adjustable width and rotatable mounting options for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional brackets use permanent or semi-permanent fasteners, screws, clamps, or adhesives for attachment, then the bracket is securely fixed to the railing structure, but the bracket cannot move in a longitudinal direction and requires removal of attachment means to reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with a C-shaped cross-section that allows it to flexibly engage with the railing structure. The bracket can be inserted onto the railing and then flexed laterally to lock into place, enabling easy longitudinal repositioning while maintaining secure attachment. This dynamic design allows the bracket to transition between insertion, positioning, and locking states without permanent fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket utilizes changes in lateral dimension to achieve attachment. By flexing the bracket laterally during installation, it expands to engage the railing structure, then returns to its original shape to lock securely. This parameter change enables the bracket to be easily repositioned along the railing while maintaining reliable attachment at each position.
2Reliability
If brackets are designed to attach to rectangular railing profiles using traditional methods, then they provide stable attachment, but they are not adaptable to non-rectangular railing profiles such as round or oval shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with a universal C-shaped cross-section that can accommodate multiple railing profiles including rectangular, round, and oval shapes. The open C-shape allows the bracket to be inserted onto various profile types and then flexed laterally to secure attachment, making it compatible with different railing designs without requiring different bracket types.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket utilizes a flexible C-shaped structure that can be laterally deflected to engage with different railing profiles. This flexible design allows the bracket to conform to various cross-sectional shapes while maintaining secure attachment, providing versatility across different railing types.
3Reliability
If brackets use permanent attachment methods, then they remain firmly fixed to the railing, but they may damage the railing structure during installation or removal
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clamps, adhesives) with a flexible engagement system. The C-shaped bracket is inserted onto the railing and then flexed laterally to lock into place, providing firm attachment without penetrating fasteners or strong adhesives that could damage the railing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket uses lateral dimension changes during installation to achieve secure attachment. By flexing the bracket laterally, it expands to engage the railing structure, then returns to its original shape to lock securely without damaging the railing. This parameter change allows firm attachment while avoiding the harmful effects of permanent fasteners.
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
Enables easy and secure attachment to different railing shapes without disassembling the railing, providing stable support for objects while allowing for easy installation and removal, and accommodating various objects and structures with improved durability and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
formed of a flexible material that allows the bracket to slide in a longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 2
top surface comprising a mounting platform that is flat and slip-resistant
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for a railing structure includes a bottom portion comprising an inner surface that is formed in a shape that conforms to a profile of a top surface, first side surface, and second side surface of the railing structure so that the bracket can be flexibly attached to and detached from the railing structure. The inner surface is also formed in a shape that permits the bracket to slide in a longitudinal direction of the railing structure while being held firmly in a lateral direction of the railing structure. A mounting platform is positioned on a top surface of the bottom portion.