Interlocking Fence Post Design for Secure Panel Retention

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fence post systems require numerous fastening means, such as bolts and nuts, which increase installation time, labor costs, and material corrosion, while compromising safety and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A two-part tubular post system with ear portions and interlocking design that eliminates the need for additional fastening means, enhancing mechanical stability and allowing for easy assembly and increased resistance to intruder hits by utilizing a telescopic and interlocking mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fastening means such as bolts, nuts, clips, and clamps are used to fix mesh wire or framed panel to fence posts, then the mechanical connection is secure, but the number of components increases, installation time increases, and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical connection securityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fence post and fence material retention functions into a single integrated component. The fence post incorporates lateral openings and engagement features directly into its structure, eliminating the need for separate fastening means such as bolts, nuts, clips, or clamps. The mesh wire or framed panel is retained through the lateral openings and secured by the post's inherent engagement features, combining multiple functions into one unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the fastening means (bolts, nuts, clips, clamps) from the fence system. By removing these separate components and integrating their retention function directly into the fence post structure through lateral openings and engagement features, the system achieves secure mechanical connection without the complexity of multiple separate fastening components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If fastening means such as bolts, nuts, clips, and clamps are used to fix mesh wire or framed panel to fence posts, then the mechanical connection is secure, but installation time and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical connection securityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fence post and fence material retention functions into a single integrated component. The fence post incorporates lateral openings and engagement features directly into its structure, eliminating the need for separate fastening means such as bolts, nuts, clips, or clamps. The mesh wire or framed panel is retained through the lateral openings and secured by the post's inherent engagement features, combining multiple functions into one unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the fastening means (bolts, nuts, clips, clamps) from the fence system. By removing these separate components and integrating their retention function directly into the fence post structure through lateral openings and engagement features, the system achieves secure mechanical connection without the complexity of multiple separate fastening components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If conventional fence posts are used, then the structure is simple, but the bending moment is reduced making the post more vulnerable to hits by intruders

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidbending moment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite structural design by combining multiple geometric profiles into a single fence post. The post features a complex cross-section comprising a central portion, ear portions extending laterally, and bridging elements connecting these portions. This composite geometric structure increases the moment of inertia and bending moment resistance while maintaining visual simplicity and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enhances the fence post's strength by adding dimensional complexity to its cross-sectional geometry. The post includes a central portion with ear portions extending laterally at right angles, connected by bridging elements, creating a three-dimensional composite structure. This dimensional expansion increases the bending moment resistance without significantly increasing the post's footprint or visual complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2378037B1Illuminated double-profile fence post and associated fence structure

Publication Date: 2015.01.28 KOSEDAG TEL ORME SANAYI & TICARET ITHALAT ITHRACAT A S

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AI summary

The tubular post comprises a first part that have ear portions on the left and right of an outwardly protruding portion where said ear portions have at their outer ends inwardly extending lips. The post comprises a second part which is a cylindrical hollow body disposed within said first part. The first part has a plurality of lateral openings adapted to receive horizontal ends of a fence material, in particular a framed panel, throughout its length. The first part of the post features a first closed-geometry longitudinally hollow inner profile interconnected by at least two longitudinally extending bridging elements to a second closed-geometry longitudinally extending outer profile. The bridging elements among said profiles are arranged preferably in a symmetrical manner. The longest distance in between two circumferential points on a horizontal plane of the post is perpendicular to the fence line.