Hidden Fastener Assembly for Stable Grooved Board Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hidden fastener systems for securing grooved boards to underlying support structures are inadequate as they fail to forcibly engage the grooves, leading to movement of boards during temperature changes, and are cumbersome to install, often mismatched with the groove dimensions, and not suitable for confined spaces.

Innovation Solution

A fastener unit comprising a spacer block with a grip element and resilient compression elements that fit within and forcibly engage the grooves of the boards, allowing for secure attachment to the underlying joist without the need for manual alignment, and featuring fracturable joints for easy adaptation to different joist configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hidden fastener systems use loose-fitting plates with fixed thickness flanges, then the fasteners can be concealed within grooves, but the flanges do not engage the grooves forcibly enough to prevent board movement during expansion and contraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboard stabilityVSAvoidgroove engagement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener system employs a resilient compression element that transitions from a compressed state during installation to an expanded state during service, dynamically adapting to prevent board movement while maintaining concealed installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The compression element changes its dimensional parameters (expanding from compressed to uncompressed state) to transform from a installable component to a forcefully engaging mechanism that secures boards against thermal expansion and contraction forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If hidden fastener systems require manual alignment of plates with grooves, then the fasteners can be properly positioned, but the installation process becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastener alignmentVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient compression element performs self-alignment by expanding within the groove to engage its walls, automatically positioning itself without requiring manual alignment operations during installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic expansion of the compression element within the groove creates a self-centering effect that automatically aligns the fastener system with the groove geometry, eliminating manual alignment requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If hidden fastener systems use fixed base heights, then the structure is simplified, but the flanges and bases are mismatched so that the plates cannot fit in the groove or secure the board to the underlying joist

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegroove fit compatibilityVSAvoidfastener system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient compression element's variable dimension (expanding from compressed to uncompressed state) provides adaptability to different groove depths and configurations without requiring multiple fixed-height base components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener system separates the compression element from the plate and base structure, allowing the compression element to be independently sized and configured to match specific groove dimensions while maintaining overall system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If hidden fastener systems are designed for standard spacing, then the design is simplified, but they are not suitable for confined spaces or double/triple joist configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoist configuration compatibilityVSAvoidfastener sizing variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient compression element's ability to change dimensions through compression and expansion allows a single fastener design to accommodate varying joist spacings and confined space requirements without requiring multiple fixed-size variants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 fastener unit provides a secure and concealed attachment of grooved boards to support structures, preventing board movement due to temperature changes, and allows for easy installation and adjustment to fit various joist configurations, enhancing both aesthetics and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient compression element extending laterally from the spacer block... the portions can expand within the groove to forcibly engage the groove

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12234654B2Hidden fastener unit and related method of use

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 NAT NAIL CORP

AI summary

A fastener unit and related method for securing a board to a support is provided. The fastener unit includes a spacer block, a grip element extending from the spacer block and configured to fit in and engage a groove of the board, and one or more board engagement elements. The board engagement elements can engage the groove of the board, thereby securing the spacer block in a position adjacent the groove to establish a gap between the board and another board. Related methods of use also are provided.