Modular Fence Infill Structure for Privacy and Easy Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fences, particularly metal fences, suffer from issues such as lack of privacy, rusting, high cost, and difficulty in removal or replacement, especially when installed permanently.
Innovation Solution
A fence system comprising posts with ribs, lower and upper rails, and infill boards that can be installed in horizontal or vertical orientations, using vinyl or wooden materials that are resistant to weathering and moisture, with a support member for stability and ease of installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If metal fences are installed between fence posts, then the fences are long lasting and require no effort for installation, but they do not provide privacy
Solution Approach 1:
The fence panel is divided into multiple infill boards that can be individually installed between the rails, allowing for privacy while maintaining the structural framework of the fence system
Solution Approach 2:
Infill boards are introduced as intermediary elements between the upper and lower rails to provide privacy screening while allowing the fence posts and rails to remain exposed for structural support
2Strength
If steel material fences are installed between fence posts, then the fences provide structural strength, but the steel material can rust with time unless periodically chemically treated
Solution Approach 1:
The fence system combines different materials - vinyl or treated wood for infill boards that resist rust, and metal for the structural rails and posts, creating a composite structure that balances strength with corrosion resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The material composition of the fence components is changed from uniform steel to a combination of rust-resistant materials (vinyl, treated wood) for infill and metal for structural elements, altering the chemical properties to prevent rusting
3Strength
If steel material fences are installed between fence posts, then the fences provide structural strength, but they involve a higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
Strength-critical components like fence posts and rails are made of metal, while non-critical infill boards are made of less expensive materials like vinyl or treated wood, optimizing the cost-to-strength ratio by applying material quality locally where needed
4Stability of the object's composition
If fences are installed permanently, then the fences provide stable structure, but it is difficult to remove from the fence posts when the installed fences require replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The fence system transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic removable structure through the use of removable fasteners and modular infill boards that can be easily detached and reinstalled
Solution Approach 2:
The fence is segmented into modular components (infill boards, rails, posts) that can be independently removed and reinstalled, allowing for easy replacement while maintaining structural stability during installation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a fence system. The fence system, comprising: a first post; a second post, wherein each of the first post and the second post comprises a first set of ribs and a second set of ribs; a lower rail, wherein a first end of the lower rail is adapted to terminate at a face of the first set of ribs of the first post and a second end of the lower rail is adapted to terminate at a face of the first set of ribs of the second post; and an upper rail, wherein the lower rail and the upper rail are positioned to receive one or more infill boards, such that the one or more infill boards are adapted to terminate at a face of the second set of ribs of the first post and at a face of the second set of ribs of the second post.