Rotating Hidden Clip for Simultaneous Grooved Plank Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hidden deck clips require stepwise installation, necessitating installers to kneel down and hold clips in place, and lack the ability to space and hold multiple adjacent building members simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A clip design featuring a base and a rotatable blade that allows for simultaneous installation between adjacent grooved building members, enabling efficient attachment by standing installers, with a base and blade configuration that facilitates rotation and secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hidden deck clips with T-shaped structure are used, then the clips can engage grooved building members, but the installation must be performed stepwise requiring installers to kneel down and hold clips in place
Solution Approach 1:
The clip incorporates a rotatable blade that transitions from a horizontal pre-installation position to a vertical installed position. This dynamic transformation allows the clip to be initially placed between adjacent planks in a convenient horizontal orientation, then rotated into its final vertical position during fastening, eliminating the need for installers to kneel and manually position traditional T-shaped clips
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is pre-configured in a horizontal position that facilitates easy placement between adjacent building members before installation. This preliminary configuration allows multiple clips to be positioned simultaneously or in sequence without requiring the installer to kneel and manually adjust each clip during the fastening process
2Productivity
If traditional clips are used, then individual clips can attach planks, but multiple clips and planks must be installed one-by-one in a stepwise manner
Solution Approach 1:
The innovative clip design combines the functions of multiple traditional clips into a single unit that can engage multiple adjacent building members simultaneously. The extended blade structure with multiple engagement points allows one clip to secure multiple planks at once, reducing the total number of installation steps and improving productivity
3Reliability
If clips are designed to engage grooves in building members, then secure attachment is achieved, but the permanent T-shaped structure prevents placement between facing edges of adjacent planks
Solution Approach 1:
The blade's ability to rotate from horizontal to vertical position enables it to be placed between adjacent planks in a compact horizontal configuration, then transformed into a vertical position that provides secure engagement with the grooves. This dynamic shape change resolves the conflict between compact placement and secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A composite hidden clip includes a base and an elongated blade, and optionally a preset fastener. The base has a central slot and upwardly angled arms that secure the blade's ends in a pre-installed position, restricting both vertical and rotational movement. The blade is positioned atop lateral shoulders of the base and aligns with a central hole in the base for fastening. During installation, the blade is guided to rotate from an initial position laterally aligned with the base into the slot aided by ramp surfaces in the body, allowing the blade to engage with building elements such as grooved decking planks. The sides of the slot restricts further rotation of the blade to ensure that the ends of the blade engage within grooves of opposing building members. The configuration of the slot allows the clip to be used to install a variety of building members.