Modular Patio Assembly Using Hook and Eye Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular deck systems are complex and require specially designed connectors and a large number of screws or fasteners for assembly, making them difficult to quickly and easily construct.
Innovation Solution
A modular patio assembly using a groundsheet with parallel sleepers, deck tiles with furring strips and floorboards, and cooperating hook and eye fasteners for secure attachment, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly without many screws or fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specially designed connectors and a large number of screws are used in modular deck systems, then the structural strength and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and ease of assembly worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connector function and fastening function into a single integrated sleeper component. The sleeper includes built-in recesses that receive the ends of decking boards directly, eliminating the need for separate connectors and multiple screws. This merging of functions reduces assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeper serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, acts as a connector between decking boards, and incorporates built-in fastening mechanisms through its recesses. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized connectors and reduces the number of fasteners required, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining reliability.
2Strength
If a large number of screws or fasteners are used in modular deck systems, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of operation and assembly speed worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeper integrates the fastening function into its structure by incorporating recesses that directly receive and secure the ends of decking boards. This eliminates the need for multiple separate fasteners, reducing assembly time and effort while maintaining structural strength through the integrated securement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeper's recesses are designed to self-align and self-secure the decking board ends without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly procedures. The structure itself provides the fastening function, making the assembly process simpler and faster while ensuring structural integrity.
3Manufacturing precision
If specially designed connectors are used in modular deck systems, then the manufacturing precision and assembly accuracy are improved, but the ease of manufacture and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connector function is merged into the sleeper itself through built-in recesses, eliminating the need for separately manufactured specialized connectors. This reduces the number of different components that need to be manufactured with high precision, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining assembly accuracy through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeper serves as both a structural support element and a connector with built-in fastening capability. This multi-functionality reduces the variety of specialized components needed, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring precise assembly through the standardized recess design that directly receives decking board ends.
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
Enables a simple and rapid assembly of a patio system that is both portable and can be easily disassembled, using a minimal number of fasteners, thereby simplifying the construction process.
Implementation Method 1
cooperating hook and eye fasteners on top surfaces of said sleepers and on bottom surfaces of said furring strips for securing the deck tiles to the sleepers
Data Source
AI summary
A module patio assembly includes a groundsheet formed of landscape fabric, parallel wooden sleepers connected to and extending transversely of the groundsheet, and parallel row of prefabricated deck tiles mounted on the sleepers. Cooperating hook and eye fasteners are provided on the top surfaces of the sleepers and on the bottom surfaces of the deck tiles for securing the deck tiles to the sleepers.