Rotating Post Support Cap for Concealed Fastener Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post support systems that require fasteners for securing posts to surfaces often result in exposed fasteners, which are visually unappealing and lack accessibility for adjustments, as previous solutions like two-part supports with offset bases do not allow for easy access to fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A post support system with a base and cap design where the cap is rotatable between accessible and concealed positions, featuring upstanding and downwardly extending portions with protuberances for retention, allowing for adjustment and concealment of fasteners, and utilizing a washer for positional adjustment and increased pull-out resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a two-part post support with offset base and cap is used to conceal fasteners, then the visual appearance is improved, but access to fasteners for adjustment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is made rotatable relative to the base, allowing it to dynamically change position between a first position where fasteners are accessible and a second position where fasteners are concealed. This dynamic movement resolves the contradiction by enabling both adjustment access and visual concealment at different times.
2Ease of operation
If fasteners are exposed for easy adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but visual appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable cap provides a dynamic solution where the same structure can serve two opposing visual and operational needs. When the cap is in the first position, fasteners are accessible for adjustment; when rotated to the second position, fasteners are concealed for improved appearance.
3Shape
If a fixed cap design is used to conceal fasteners, then visual appearance is improved, but adaptability for different conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable cap transforms a static concealment structure into a dynamic one, providing adaptability between different operational states (adjustment mode and concealment mode) while maintaining visual appeal in the concealed state.
Data Source
AI summary
A post support having a base securable to a surface and a cap for concealing fasteners used for securing the base to the surface, wherein: the base has two upstanding portions with a central base portion therebetween, the cap has a central support portion between two downwardly extending portions, the cap being receivable within the base and rotatable between a first condition of use in which the said fasteners are accessible and a second condition of use in which the fasteners are concealed, and at least one protuberance is provided, the protuberance being associated with the upstanding portions and the downwardly extending portions for retaining the cap within the base.