Picket Assembly with Post Closure for Corner Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fence picket assemblies often leave gaps above corner posts that can compromise security and aesthetics, as they lack a systematic method to securely attach and align additional pickets.
Innovation Solution
A picket assembly comprising post pickets with a rectilinear lower portion and a post closure system featuring a cap with recesses and a bracket that securely engages the lower portion of each post picket, effectively closing the upper end of the post and providing a bracing attachment surface, enhancing security and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fence picket assemblies are used, then the fence structure is simple, but gaps above corner posts compromise security and aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The post closure is divided into separate functional components: a cap portion that fits around the post and a bracket portion that extends downward to engage pickets. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall structural integrity and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket portion is received within the open upper end of the post, nesting inside the post structure. The cap fits around the upper end of the post, creating a nested arrangement where the closure components are housed within the post itself, eliminating gaps while maintaining simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If conventional fence picket assemblies are used, then the installation process is simple, but alignment and attachment of additional pickets becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket portion is pre-formed with engagement features that align with the lower portion of post pickets. The recesses in the cap are pre-positioned to receive the pickets, establishing correct alignment before installation begins, which simplifies the overall installation process while ensuring precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket acts as an intermediary component between the post and the pickets, providing a standardized attachment surface. This intermediary element simplifies the installation process by providing pre-engineered engagement features that ensure precise alignment and secure attachment of pickets to the post.
3Shape
If gaps are left above corner posts, then the picket assembly is simple, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The post closure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it closes the gap above the post, provides structural support for pickets, ensures proper alignment, and enhances aesthetic appearance. This multi-functionality achieves uniform appearance without requiring separate components for each function, thereby avoiding excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A picket assembly adapted for installation on a post of a barrier, such as a corner post. The picket assembly comprises at least one post picket having an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion of each post picket is characterized by a rectilinear profile. The picket assembly further comprises a post closure, which is formed from a cap and a bracket. The cap is adapted to fit around the upper end of the post and is provided with recesses sized to clearingly receive the lower portion of a post picket therethrough. The recess are provided in a number equalling the number of post pickets. The bracket of the post closure extends from the lower surface of the cap can be received within the open upper end of the post. The bracket provides an attachment surface that bracingly engages the lower portion of each post picket when that post picket is received through a recess of the cap.