Post Holder With Open Channel Shaft For Railing Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing railing post attachment systems face issues with exposure to precipitation, limited adjustability, and interference from sleeve heights in prior art systems, which affect stability and compliance with building codes.
Innovation Solution
A post holder comprising a shaft with an open channel and a base, where the shaft is sized to fit within a hollow post, allowing for adjustable height and secure attachment without a sleeve, using materials like aluminum for rigidity and weather resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sleeve is used to receive the post (prior art system), then the post can be attached to the platform, but the sleeve is open to rain or snow seeping in causing exposure to precipitation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the sleeve component entirely from the attachment system. Instead of using a sleeve to receive the post, the post is directly attached to the base plate through welding or mechanical fasteners. This eliminates the open sleeve that allowed precipitation to enter, while maintaining secure post attachment to the platform.
2Ease of operation
If shims are used under the base plate to adjust post height, then the hand rail can be kept even, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides adjustability through a dynamic connection system between the post and base plate. The post can be positioned at different heights and secured at the desired position using fasteners that allow vertical adjustment. This eliminates the need for static shims while maintaining height adjustability capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the sleeve is made three inches high to meet building code clearance requirements, then the railing barrier clearance is compliant, but the post adjustment range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the fixed-height sleeve with a dynamic attachment system that allows the post to be positioned and secured at various heights above the base plate. The post can be adjusted vertically and fastened at the position that meets building code requirements, providing both compliance and adjustability without the limitation of a fixed three-inch sleeve height.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to railings, and more particularly to post holders for hollow posts. The post holders of the present invention comprise a shaft extending from a base, and in use a post slides over the shaft of the post holder.