Hidden Board Fastener With Resilient Groove Locking
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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 require manual alignment and installation, which can be cumbersome and prone to misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A fastener unit comprising a spacer block, a grip element that fits into the board groove, and resilient compression elements that expand to forcibly engage the groove, securing the fastener unit in place without the need for additional hands, and allowing for easy adjustment and fitting in various configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hidden fastener systems use horizontal flanges to engage grooves, then the boards can be concealed, but the flanges do not engage the grooves forcibly enough to prevent board movement during expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs resilient compression elements that can dynamically adjust between compressed and expanded states. During installation, the elements are compressed to fit through the board thickness, then expand within the groove to provide strong engagement forces that prevent board movement during thermal expansion and contraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient compression elements change their dimensional parameters (length/volume) based on their compression state. When compressed, they have a reduced dimension allowing passage through the board; when expanded, they achieve a larger dimension that provides strong engagement within the groove, thus adapting to different functional requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If hidden fastener systems require manual alignment of the plate with grooves, then installation can be precise, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient compression elements perform self-alignment functions by utilizing the groove geometry itself as a guide. As the elements are compressed and inserted into the groove, the groove walls automatically guide and center the elements, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations while maintaining precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression elements are pre-compressed to a reduced size before insertion, allowing them to pass through the board thickness easily. Once inserted into the groove, they automatically expand to their functional size, performing the alignment and engagement actions in a predetermined sequence that simplifies installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the base height and groove distance are mismatched, then the flanges cannot fit well in or align with the grooves, but adjusting these dimensions requires redesigning the entire fastener system
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient compression elements provide dynamic adjustment capability that compensates for variations in base height and groove positioning. Rather than requiring precise fixed dimensions, the elements can compress and expand to adapt to different configurations, allowing the same fastener design to work with varying board and groove specifications.
4Device complexity
If fixed thickness flanges are used, then the plate structure is simple, but the plate cannot fit in grooves of varying thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient compression elements transform the fixed-thickness flange structure into a dynamic system. The elements can compress to reduce their effective thickness for insertion, then expand to provide full engagement, enabling the same simple structural design to accommodate grooves of varying thicknesses without requiring multiple flange thickness options.
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 effectively secures boards to support structures by preventing movement due to temperature changes and simplifying the installation process, allowing for efficient and secure fastening in various applications, including decks and flooring.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient compression element, vertically compressible from an open mode to a compressed mode. In the compressed mode, at least a portion of the resilient compression element can be inserted in the groove of the board. The resilient compression element can expand within the groove to forcibly engage the groove
Data Source
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.