Interlocking Fence Panels With Biasing Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fence systems experience panel disengagement due to erosion and weather exposure, compromising stability and integrity.
Innovation Solution
Interlocking fence panel members with biasingly movable end portions and locking members that secure between horizontal channeled rails, forming a continuous infill and preventing disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fence panels are used, then installation is simple, but panels become disengaged over time due to erosion and weather exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The fence panel is divided into multiple functional segments: end portions with locking members, body portions, and grooves. Each segment serves a specific purpose in the interlocking mechanism, allowing the panel to maintain connection stability while keeping individual components relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members and end portions are integrated into a unified structure that works together as a single interlocking system. The groove receives the locking member of an adjacent panel, merging multiple connection functions into one cohesive mechanism that prevents panel disengagement.
2Reliability
If panels are made interlocking with locking members, then connection stability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end portions are designed to be biasingly movable, allowing dynamic adjustment during installation. This movability simplifies the manufacturing process by accommodating minor dimensional variations and facilitates easier assembly, while still providing reliable locked connection when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism automatically pushes the end portions into engagement with adjacent panels, creating a self-locking system. This eliminates the need for complex external fastening mechanisms or manual adjustment, simplifying both manufacturing and installation while ensuring reliable connection.
3Ease of operation
If biasingly movable end portions are used, then ease of installation improves, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasingly movable end portions provide dynamic adaptability during installation, allowing the panels to self-adjust and interlock easily. The biasing force automatically engages the locking members with the grooves of adjacent panels, simplifying installation without requiring complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism enables the panel ends to self-engage with adjacent panels during installation. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for precise manual alignment or complex fastening procedures, making installation easier while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple.
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
Enhances the stability and integrity of the fence system by maintaining continuous interconnection between panels, preventing disengagement unless manually separated.
Implementation Method 1
the grooves of each of the panels biasingly move to accommodate the end edges of the adjacent panels when insertion initially occurs, and then biasingly retract back to their original position to secure and lock interconnection of the adjacent panels
Data Source
AI summary
Interlocking fence panels for interconnection between horizontal channeled rails in a fence system, and, more particularly, to improved interlocking fence panel members which can interconnect for insertion between horizontal channeled rails to provide a one-piece continuous infill effect between these horizontal channeled rails in a fence system which, when interconnected with other panels and in place, will not become disengaged from one another and which will strengthen the stability and integrity of the fence system itself.