Rotatable Post Support Cap for Concealing Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post supports that require fasteners for securing to a surface often expose these fasteners, making them visually unappealing, and previous solutions that conceal fasteners do not allow for adjustment without additional components.
Innovation Solution
A post support design featuring a base with upstanding portions and a cap that is rotatable between accessible and concealed positions, with protuberances for retention, allowing for adjustable fastener positioning and concealment without exposed fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a two-part post support with cap is used to conceal fasteners, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but adjustment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is made rotatable relative to the base, allowing it to dynamically change between a first position where fasteners are accessible and a second position where fasteners are concealed. This dynamic capability enables the system to switch between adjustment mode and aesthetic mode, resolving the contradiction between concealment and adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The post support is divided into two separate functional components: a base that provides structural support and fastener mounting, and a rotatable cap that provides aesthetic concealment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to resolve the contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fasteners are exposed for adjustment access, then adjustment capability is maintained, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable cap enables the system to dynamically switch between exposing fasteners (for adjustment) and concealing fasteners (for aesthetics). When adjustment is needed, the cap is rotated to the first position exposing fasteners; when aesthetics are prioritized, the cap is rotated to the second position concealing fasteners.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate cap is provided for adjustment, then device complexity increases, but adjustment capability is restored
Solution Approach 1:
The single rotatable cap serves multiple functions: it provides aesthetic concealment when in the second position, enables adjustment access when in the first position, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment caps, restoring adjustability without increasing component count.
Data Source
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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.