Movable Keeper Fence Post Assembly for Wire Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for constructing fences are tedious and time-consuming, requiring multiple trips to thread wires through holes and strain them, making it difficult to add or replace posts, disassemble, or relocate fences without re-threading and re-straining.
Innovation Solution
A fence post assembly with movable keepers that allow for easy attachment and detachment of fencing members, such as wires or mesh panels, by using slots and retainers that can pivot between holding and release positions, enabling wires to be attached in one operation and allowing for easy addition, removal, or relocation of posts without cutting wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods of threading wires through holes in fence posts are used, then the fence structure is secure, but the construction process becomes tedious and time-consuming requiring multiple trips
Solution Approach 1:
The fence post is segmented into functional components: a body portion with a slot, a separate retainer component, and a keeper component. This segmentation allows the retainer to be independently manipulated to open and close the slot, enabling quick wire attachment without threading through multiple holes while maintaining secure holding through the retainer's engagement with the slot.
2Reliability
If wires are threaded through numerous holes in fence posts, then the fencing member is securely attached, but additional posts cannot be readily added and damaged posts cannot be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed as a movable component that can pivot between a closed position (securing the wire) and an open position (releasing the wire). This dynamic mechanism allows the fence structure to be easily reconfigured - damaged posts can be replaced by simply opening the retainers and removing wires, or new posts can be added without permanent wire threading, enhancing adaptability while maintaining secure attachment when needed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If plain wires are strained and tied off to construct a fence, then the fence is stable, but the process is tedious and requires several trips along the fence length
Solution Approach 1:
The slot in the keeper is pre-configured with a blind end that automatically captures and retains the wire when the retainer is in the closed position. This preliminary preparation of the retention mechanism eliminates the need for multiple trips to thread and tie off wires - the wire can be inserted once and is automatically secured by the retainer's engagement with the slot, reducing construction time while maintaining fence stability.
4Strength
If fence wires are permanently attached to posts, then the fence structure is robust, but the fence cannot be readily disassembled for relocation or recycling
Solution Approach 1:
The movable retainer creates a dynamic attachment system that transitions between a robust locked state (when closed and engaging the wire in the slot) and an easily released state (when opened). This allows the fence to be both structurally robust during use and easily disassembled for relocation or recycling by simply opening the retainers, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of disassembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fence post assembly (120) comprising a fence post (121) and at least one keeper (122) for holding a fencing wire (2) relative to the post (121). The keeper (122) is movable between a holding position in which the wire (2) is held relative to the post (121) and a release position in which the wire (2) may be released from the post (121). The keeper (121) comprises a slot (123) extending within the post (121) for receiving the wire (2) and a retainer (124) connected to the post (121) that is pivotable between the holding and release positions, wherein in the holding position the retainer (124) obstructs the slot (123).