Reversible Brace Mount Layout for Flexible Fence Bracing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brace mounts are limited to pre-set configurations, making it costly and inconvenient to change the layout of fencing enclosures, and can pose a risk of snagging when reused, especially in animal enclosures.

Innovation Solution

A brace mount design featuring a body with two connection orientations and a brace attachment mechanism that allows for flexible attachment to fencing posts, enabling two different attachment positions without the need for multiple configurations, while preventing rotational forces and ensuring secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If pre-set brace mount configurations are used, then manufacturing and inventory costs are reduced, but layout flexibility and adaptability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidlayout flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The brace mount body is designed with two connection portions positioned at different locations, allowing a single universal component to function in multiple orientations and configurations. This enables one brace mount type to replace multiple specialized configurations, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and layout flexibility simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If pre-set brace mount configurations are reused, then manufacturing costs are saved, but safety risks increase due to exposed brace attachment portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost savingsVSAvoidsnagging risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection portions are positioned asymmetrically at different locations on the brace mount body. This asymmetric design allows the brace attachment points to be oriented away from animal access areas in certain configurations, reducing the snagging hazard while maintaining the same physical component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple brace mount configurations are manufactured, then layout adaptability is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration optionsVSAvoidnumber of component types

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single brace mount design with two connection portions at different locations serves multiple configuration purposes. The body can be oriented in different ways to achieve various brace positions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized component types and simplifying inventory management while maintaining configuration versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4130412A1A brace mount

Publication Date: 2023.02.08 PROTECTAPET LTD

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C

AI summary

A brace mount la, lb, lc for attaching a brace 9 to a post 8. Each brace mount configuration la, lb, lc comprises a section comprising: a body 2, a first connection portion 5, a second connection portion 5, and a brace attachment means 4. The body 2 surrounds part of a post 8 when used. The first and second connection portions 5 of the section connect the body 2 to the rest of the brace mount la, lb, lc around the post 8. The first connection portion 5 is shaped, and positioned on the body 2, to have the shape of, and position on the body 2 of, the second connection portion 5 if it were rotated 180 degrees about an axis running through the centre of a plane extending from the first connection portion 5 to the second connection portion 5 and which, in use, Is perpendicular to a central axis of the post 8.