Helical Screw Mounting Bracket for Electric Fencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors and brackets for electric fencing are cumbersome to use, lack versatility in angle adjustment, are not tamper-proof, and fail to securely attach fencing wire to posts of varying dimensions and configurations, leading to potential conductivity issues and security concerns.

Innovation Solution

A mounting bracket with a body made of non-conductive material, featuring a securing mechanism with complementary guide and track fasteners that allow for secure attachment to fence posts of different dimensions, enabling easy installation and tamper-proof operation, and accommodating various angles and wire orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing connectors and brackets are used to secure fencing wire to posts, then the fencing wire can be attached to posts, but the process is tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is divided into distinct functional components: a body portion that engages with the post, a wire retention feature that holds the fencing wire, and a securing mechanism with fasteners. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates quicker assembly by enabling modular installation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket body is pre-configured with the wire retention feature and fastening mechanisms in place before installation. The complementary guide and track features are pre-formed in the bracket body, eliminating the need for field adjustments or complex alignment procedures during installation, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing brackets are used to connect fencing wire to posts, then connection is possible, but angle variation is not accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle adjustment capabilityVSAvoidbracket structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket incorporates a rotatable component that allows the wire retention feature to be positioned at various angles relative to the post. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the bracket to accommodate different installation angles and wire orientations without requiring multiple specialized bracket designs, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity through a single multi-functional component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket body is designed with universal engagement features that can interface with posts of various dimensions and configurations. The complementary guide and track system provides a universal mounting interface that accommodates different post types while maintaining a consistent bracket design, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If existing connectors are used, then fencing wire can be attached, but they are not tamper-proof and can be easily tampered with

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetamper-resistanceVSAvoidsecuring mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism employs a nested structure where the second fastener is received within a cavity of the bracket body and secured through threaded engagement. This nested configuration creates a tamper-resistant assembly where the fasteners are concealed and mechanically locked, making it difficult for unauthorized persons to disassemble or tamper with the connection without specialized tools or knowledge of the fastening system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket body serves as an intermediary element between the post and the fencing wire, incorporating a wire retention feature that positively engages the wire. This intermediary structure provides a secure, tamper-resistant connection point that protects the wire attachment from direct access and manipulation, thereby enhancing reliability while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If existing brackets are used, then fencing wire can be connected to posts, but wire distortion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire alignment precisionVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wire retention feature is designed with locally optimized contact surfaces and geometric constraints that specifically address wire alignment at the point of attachment. The complementary guide features in the bracket body provide localized guidance that directs the wire into the correct position during installation, ensuring precise wire alignment without requiring complex overall bracket structures or difficult installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket's complementary guide and track features are self-aligning, meaning that during installation, the bracket automatically orients itself relative to the post to achieve proper wire alignment. This self-service alignment mechanism eliminates the need for manual adjustment or complex positioning procedures, thereby maintaining installation ease while achieving high wire alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

5Strength

If existing connectors are used, then fencing wire can be attached, but connection is not robust in extreme weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket body is designed with reinforced engagement features and a robust wire retention structure that anticipate and compensate for the forces generated during extreme weather conditions. The complementary guide and track system provides pre-established mechanical interlocking that resists separation forces, while the fastening mechanism is pre-configured to maintain secure engagement under thermal expansion, contraction, and vibration, thereby achieving high connection strength without requiring overly complex structural reinforcements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3022369B1A bracket and method of using same
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 GALLAGHER ELECTRONICS LTD CO
  • EP3022369B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3022369B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3022369B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention relates to a mounting bracket, the bracket including: a body, wherein the body is configured to engage with at least a part of a structure, and wherein the body includes an aperture for a fastener; a securing mechanism to secure the bracket to the structure; characterised in that the securing mechanism includes a first and second fastener, wherein the fasteners are configured to engage with each other, wherein the second fastener is also configured to engage with a second aperture of the body, wherein the second fastener and second aperture includes a complementary guide and track in the form of a co-operating helical screw thread.