Post mounting system and apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post mounting systems for fencing and demarcation applications suffer from reduced bend strength and corrosion issues due to holes and passages in steel fence posts, and require high manual labor and skilled labor for wire attachment, with loose fittings and manual ties being common.
Innovation Solution
A post mounting apparatus with elongated apertures and projections, where the projections have matching profiles to the apertures, and connected pins secured by a bridging member, allowing for secure and efficient attachment to T- or Y-posts with improved strength and reduced manual labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If holes or passages are punched into the post to enable wire attachment, then wire securing capability is improved, but bend strength of the post deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus merges the wire attachment function with the post structure by using projections that extend through elongated apertures in the post. The apparatus body with paired projections integrates multiple functions: providing attachment points for wires while maintaining structural integrity through the elongated aperture design that distributes stress along the post.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional round holes to elongated apertures that extend along the length of the post. This dimensional change allows the mounting apparatus to engage with the post over a longer distance, distributing loads and reducing stress concentration, thereby maintaining bend strength while enabling wire attachment.
2Ease of operation
If traditional wire tying or clipping methods are used, then wire attachment capability is achieved, but manual labor requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus enables self-service wire attachment where the wire can be directly threaded through the elongated apertures and secured by the apparatus structure itself, eliminating the need for separate tying or clipping operations. The design allows workers to simply thread the wire through the apertures and secure it with the provided mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If round holes are used in the post, then wire attachment is enabled, but pin rotation and loose fitting occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces symmetric round holes with asymmetric elongated apertures that have a specific orientation along the post. This asymmetric shape prevents rotational movement of mounting pins while providing sufficient clearance for wire threading, ensuring stable positioning without loose fitting.
4Reliability
If passages are machined into the post, then wire retention is improved, but post strength decreases and corrosion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus combines wire retention functionality with the external mounting structure rather than requiring internal passages in the post. The paired projections and body structure provide wire retention through mechanical engagement and friction, eliminating the need for corrosive-prone internal passages while maintaining post strength.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus (10) for connection to a flange (52) of a post (50). The flange (52) comprises two or more elongated apertures (54) therethrough which are spaced out along the length of the flange. The apparatus comprises a body (12) from which there extends two sets of projections (14A&B) and (16A&B). Each projection in each set respectively extends from the body to a distal end (18). Each of the sets (14), (16) comprises two projections A&B which extend from the body so as to define a recess R therebetween which is configured to receive the flange (52) therein. The distal ends (18) of the two projections (14) or (16) in a given set are able to locate in adjacency of a respective one of the elongated apertures (54) in the flange. At least one of the distal ends of at least one the projections comprises a passage (20) formed thereat. The passage (20) has a profile configured in a similar manner to that of the flange elongated aperture (54) adjacent to which it can be located in use. A respective pin (32A), (32B) is provided for each of the projections. The pins are connected together by a bridging member (34). When the passage (20) is located in adjacency of a respective flange aperture (54), the pins (32A), (32B) are each able be inserted through a respective passage (20) aligned with a respective aperture (54) to secure the apparatus (10) to the post.