Hinged Fencing System for Uneven Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fencing systems are challenging to install in topographically varied areas, often requiring heavy machinery and resulting in curved or incomplete fences due to terrain difficulties, which affects the strength and alignment of the fence.
Innovation Solution
A flexible fencing system with hinged posts and braces that allow for adjustment to accommodate elevations and depressions, using distally extending plates and fasteners to form hinges, enabling the fence to be laid in a straight line without compromising strength, and is extendable as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fencing systems are used in topographically varied areas, then the fence can be installed using standard methods, but the fence requires heavy machinery and results in curved or incomplete alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the brace adjustable through a hinge mechanism that allows it to change angle dynamically. The brace can be positioned at different angles using multiple holes and fasteners, enabling it to adapt to varying terrain conditions while maintaining fence alignment. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by allowing standard installation methods to work effectively on uneven terrain without requiring heavy machinery or resulting in curved alignment.
2Ease of manufacture
If heavy machinery is used to install fences in difficult terrain, then the fence can be installed, but time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fence structure into modular components: posts, braces with multiple adjustment holes, fasteners, and wires. This modular design allows individual components to be easily transported and assembled without requiring heavy machinery. The segmented approach enables manual installation while maintaining structural integrity, thereby reducing both the need for heavy equipment and the overall installation time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fence follows the contours of the land, then the fence can be installed on varied terrain, but the fence does not maintain a straight line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing adjustment capabilities at specific locations rather than requiring uniform adjustment throughout the entire fence. The brace includes multiple holes at different positions and angles, allowing localized adjustment at each brace-post connection point to compensate for terrain variations. This enables the fence to maintain a straight overall line while adapting to local topographical conditions through targeted adjustments at specific segments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the fence is installed on steep or inaccessible terrain, then the fence can reach difficult locations, but heavy machinery cannot access the site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating an adjustable hinge mechanism in the brace that allows it to change its angle and position dynamically. This enables the fence structure to adapt to steep or uneven terrain where heavy machinery cannot operate. The adjustable brace can be configured at different angles to accommodate varying ground slopes, making installation feasible in difficult locations while maintaining structural integrity and ease of assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible fencing system capable of negotiating topographical variations of surfaces without any negative effect on the strength of the fencing system and comprised of an initial post, at least one intermediary post and an end post. Each of the initial and end posts includes a plate extending distally from the posts. The intermediary posts include two plates extending distally from the intermediary posts where the angle between the distally extending plates is 180°. Braces having plates at each end are located between and connect to the posts at connection points formed by the plates of the braces secured to the plates of the posts. The connection points form a hinge providing flexibility to either incline or decline the brace relative to the preceding post, the variation of the brace inclination or declination determined by the topographical variations of a surface.