Modular Post System with Multi-Axial Hole Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post systems face challenges in optimizing hole placement at different elevations for attaching articles, ensuring ease of use and assembly, and maintaining structural strength, particularly when attaching multiple articles to multiple posts at the same elevation.
Innovation Solution
A modular post system with exterior and internal core posts, featuring tube segments with holes arranged in multiple axial planes, allowing for adjustable and secure attachment of brackets and playground equipment, with ribs providing internal support and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pre-drilled holes are provided at a given elevation on a post, then attachment of articles is facilitated, but the number of holes and their placement optimization becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The post is divided into multiple modular segments, each containing a subset of holes. This segmentation allows the complex hole placement to be broken down into manageable sections, simplifying both manufacturing and installation while providing comprehensive attachment options across the entire post structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Holes are arranged in multiple axial planes rather than a single plane, adding a dimensional aspect to hole placement. This multi-planar arrangement optimizes attachment points by distributing holes across different elevations and angular positions, facilitating versatile article attachment while maintaining systematic organization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If holes are drilled at the same elevation on multiple posts, then articles can be attached across posts, but precise measuring and alignment is required
Solution Approach 1:
Holes are pre-drilled at precisely calculated elevations and angular positions during manufacturing, eliminating the need for field measurements and alignment. The holes are positioned in advance according to optimized patterns that ensure proper alignment across multiple posts when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The hole pattern design provides universal compatibility across all posts of the same type, allowing articles to be attached at consistent elevations regardless of which specific posts are used. This standardized multi-functional hole arrangement simplifies cross-post attachment while maintaining precision.
3Strength
If a post is designed as a single solid piece, then structural strength is maximized, but assembly flexibility and ease of installation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The post is constructed from multiple segments that can be assembled together, providing ease of installation and transport while maintaining structural integrity through proper connection design. The segmented structure allows for modular assembly without significantly compromising overall strength.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rings of holes are provided at different axial planes, then attachment versatility is improved, but the complexity of hole organization increases
Solution Approach 1:
Holes are organized into multiple axial planes, utilizing the third dimension (axial position) to create a systematic three-dimensional hole distribution pattern. This multi-planar organization provides diverse attachment point options while maintaining clear geometric relationships that simplify understanding and installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular post system, in some versions, includes an exterior post extending along a central axis. The exterior post may be composed of multitude of tube segments that are coupled, with each other to form the exterior post. In some cases, each tube segment may have at least four holes arranged in a ring about the central axis. The holes are configured to allow the mounting of articles, such as playground equipment, to the post system. Thus, the exterior post may have a multitude of rings with the rings being located in axial planes a fixed distance apart along the central axis. The tube segments have interior surfaces from which ribs protrude, to define an internal channel of the exterior post. An internal core post may be partly located within the internal channel. A fastening mechanism may secure the coupled tube segments to the internal core post.