Pivoting Baluster Mount for Flush Stairway Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stairway baluster installation methods are inefficient for attaching balusters to various substrates and stairway styles, requiring adjustments to ensure flush mounting.
Innovation Solution
A baluster mount system comprising a fastener, fixed element, and pivot element, allowing for adjustable attachment to different substrates and stairway configurations through a pin connection that enables angular orientation of the pivot element relative to the fixed element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional baluster attachment methods are used, then balusters can be attached to substrates, but the installation becomes complex and time-consuming due to required adjustments for flush mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: a fixed element with a first attachment portion for the substrate, a pivot element with a second attachment portion for the baluster, and a pin for connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall installation process by enabling modular assembly and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot element is designed to pivot relative to the fixed element about a pin axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the baluster angle during installation. This dynamic capability enables installers to accommodate various substrate angles and achieve proper flush mounting without complex pre-positioning, significantly improving installation efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable attachment systems are implemented, then versatility across different stairway styles is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed element and pivot element design provides universal applicability across different stairway configurations. The first attachment portion can engage with various substrate types (treads, stringers, newel posts), and the pivot mechanism can accommodate different baluster angles, making this single attachment system versatile enough for multiple stairway styles without requiring multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot element acts as an intermediary between the fixed element and the baluster, providing a flexible connection that can adapt to various angular relationships. This intermediary component simplifies the system by consolidating the adjustment function into a single element rather than requiring multiple specialized parts for different attachment scenarios.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise angular adjustment is allowed, then aesthetic flush mounting is achieved, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism allows for quick dynamic adjustment of the baluster angle during installation, enabling installers to achieve proper flush mounting by simply pivoting the element to the correct angle rather than requiring complex pre-positioning or multiple adjustment steps. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains precision while minimizing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is pre-installed in the fixed element, providing a predetermined pivot axis that is already positioned for the correct angular relationship. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during installation, as the pivot element can be directly attached at the correct angle without requiring time-consuming adjustment or realignment operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A baluster mount system includes a fastener, a fixed element and a pivot element. The fastener attaches the fixed element to the stairway substrate. The fixed element has a substrate portion and an attachment portion, and the attachment portion includes one of a clevis and a tang. The pivot element has a tubular portion and a secondary attachment portion. The secondary attachment portion includes the other of the clevis and the tang. A pin extends through the attachment portion and the secondary attachment portion to pivotally connect the fixed element and the pivot element. An end portion of the baluster is inserted into the tubular portion of the pivot element, and the baluster end may be retained in the tubular portion by a set screw extending into the tubular portion.