Raised Border Bracket with Snap-Lock Nubs for Tool-Free Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current landscape edging systems are inflexible, require extensive tools and labor, and are impractical for creating raised borders or retaining walls of varying heights and shapes, as they often rely on costly and cumbersome railroad ties that are difficult to remove and assemble.
Innovation Solution
A raised border system featuring a bracket with a beam receiving portion and anchor stake, utilizing snap-lock nubs for tool-free assembly and compatibility with traditional fasteners, allowing for versatile shaping and varying beam lengths and materials, enabling quick and sturdy construction without extensive hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional hardware and extensive assembly are used, then structural strength is improved, but assembly time and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into separate components: a main body portion and a distinct snap-lock nub. The nub can be inserted through the beam hole and engaged with the beam end to create a tool-free connection. This segmentation allows for quick assembly while maintaining structural integrity through the interlocking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-lock nub is designed to be self-securing through elastic engagement with the beam. When the nub is inserted through the beam hole, the elastic material automatically locks into place without requiring additional hardware or tools. The design inherently provides both the connection and the locking mechanism in a single component.
2Stability of the object's composition
If railroad ties are used for landscape edging, then structural stability is improved, but cost and removal difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system transitions from static, permanent railroad ties to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The snap-lock mechanism allows for easy insertion and removal of beams and brackets, enabling the structure to be dynamically assembled and disassembled without damage. This dynamic design maintains stability during use while allowing convenient removal and relocation.
3Device complexity
If limited shape and size options are provided, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket and beam components are designed as universal elements that can be configured in multiple shapes and arrangements. The standardized snap-lock connection allows the same basic components to form various geometric shapes and border configurations, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized parts. Users can create custom shapes by arranging the modular components in different patterns.
4Ease of operation
If snap-lock nubs are used for tool-free assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but assembly force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-lock nub utilizes elastic material properties to change its physical state during assembly. When force is applied to insert the nub through the beam hole, the elastic material deforms and then springs back to lock into place. This parameter change from deformed to recovered state creates the locking action, requiring initial insertion force but eliminating the need for continuous high force or additional tools.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system allows for easy, tool-free assembly and disassembly of beams, providing a robust and adaptable landscape edging solution that can be customized in shape and height, reducing labor and material costs while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a snap lock portion removably and securely insertable into an orifice such that the cap portion is disposed on the interior of the receiving channel
Data Source
AI summary
A raised border system is disclosed. The system includes one or more brackets that secures at least one beam in position using at least one anchor stake to create a variety of edging systems. The brackets include nubs that can be inserted into the brackets without the use of tools and are sized and shaped to securely engage a beam in a manner such that the force required to assemble the beams is relatively small and is well exceeded by the force required to disengage the beam from the bracket. While the nubs obviate the need for traditional fasteners or tools, the border system is still compatible with traditional fasteners affording the user a wide variety of options during construction. The system is also universally compatible with a variety of beam materials and sizes.