Outdoor Flooring Blade-Hook Attachment for Wind-Resistant Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor flooring systems, such as decks and docks, face challenges in securely attaching items like furniture and umbrellas due to strong winds, as existing methods either damage the flooring or are not easily removable.
Innovation Solution
A device that slips between floor planks and locks onto joists, using a blade with a recess and hook mechanism, along with a linear translator like a threaded rod, to securely attach and detach items by varying the distance between the blade and the joist, allowing for easy relocation of items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If items are permanently nailed to the flooring, then they are securely attached and cannot be moved by wind, but they cause permanent damage to the flooring and cannot be easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: a mounting device that attaches to the flooring and an item that needs to be secured. The mounting device can be independently installed and removed without damaging the flooring, while still providing secure attachment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device allows adjustment of attachment parameters through the linear translator mechanism, enabling the user to vary the distance between the blade and floor member to achieve secure reception without excessive force that could damage the flooring.
2Reliability
If items are securely fastened to resist wind, then they remain stable, but they cannot be easily relocated to different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device incorporates movable components, particularly the linear translator mechanism that allows the blade to move relative to the mount. This dynamic capability enables the device to be easily installed and removed by translating the blade to disengage from the floor member, facilitating relocation while maintaining security during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device is designed to be pre-installed on the flooring in positions where items will be placed. This preliminary action allows items to be quickly attached and relocated without requiring permanent installation, as the mounting devices are already positioned and ready for use.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a device is designed to slip between floor planks and lock onto joists, then it provides secure attachment without damaging flooring, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade serves as an intermediary component that slips between the floor planks and engages with the joist. This intermediary element protects the flooring planks from direct contact with fastening mechanisms, preventing damage while still enabling secure attachment through the hook and recess engagement with the joist.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, nails, adhesives) with a blade-based engagement system that uses geometric interlocking (hook and recess) rather than penetration or chemical bonding. This substitution eliminates damage to the flooring while providing equivalent or superior attachment security.
4Reliability
If the distance between the blade and floor member is varied to securely receive the floor member, then the attachment becomes secure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linear translator mechanism serves multiple functions: it adjusts the distance between the blade and mount, secures the blade in the correct position, and can be easily operated by simple rotation (in the case of threaded rods). This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing secure attachment with a single integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded rod translator mechanism is self-adjusting through simple rotation, allowing the user to easily vary the distance without requiring complex control systems. The mechanism serves itself by converting rotational motion into linear displacement, automatically achieving the correct positioning for secure reception of the floor member.
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
The device provides secure attachment and easy removal of items from outdoor flooring systems, resisting wind forces without damaging the flooring, and can be adapted for various floor configurations and items like umbrellas.
Implementation Method 1
the linear translator is a threaded rod and rotation of the threaded rod imparts movement of the rod relative to the base to thereby translate the first blade relative to the mount
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a blade configured for extending between adjacent floor panels and having a bottom portion thereof that defines a floor member engaging recess for engaging a bottom side of the floor member and a hook on an end thereof for engaging a vertical side of the floor member. A mount to which the blade is translatable about and engaged with a top surface of the adjacent floor panels when installed on a floor surface is provided. A linear translator is selectively directed to translate the blade relative to the mount such that the distance between a bottom surface of the mount and the floor member engaging recess is varied in order to securely receive the floor member therebetween. A related method is also disclosed.