Sliding Deck Board Fixing Device for Variable Thickness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deck board fixing devices struggle with accommodating varying board thicknesses due to expansion and inconsistent groove positions, requiring multiple types of devices and manual adjustments, which complicates installation and durability.
Innovation Solution
A universal fixing device with a base, sliding housing, and adjustable holding element that accommodates different board thicknesses and groove positions, ensuring secure attachment and drainage, featuring deformable guide members to absorb expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed fixing devices are used, then installation is simple, but they cannot accommodate varying board thicknesses and groove positions
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is made movable relative to the base along guide members, allowing dynamic adjustment of the holding element's position to accommodate varying board thicknesses and groove heights. This transforms a static fixing device into a dynamic one that can adapt to different board conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device is designed with adjustable components that allow a single device type to work with multiple board models and thicknesses, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fixing devices for different board specifications.
2Ease of operation
If fixed fixing devices are used, then device structure is simple, but manual adjustment is required for groove position corrections
Solution Approach 1:
The housing automatically positions itself relative to the base by sliding along the guide members until the holding element engages with the groove, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment by the installer.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide members are pre-positioned on the base to guide the housing into the correct position, preparing the adjustment mechanism in advance so that the holding element automatically aligns with the groove without requiring installer intervention.
3Reliability
If multiple fixing device types are used for different board models, then each device is optimized for its specific board, but device inventory and selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single fixing device design with adjustable housing and guide members can accommodate multiple board models and thicknesses, replacing the need for multiple specialized device types while maintaining reliable fixing accuracy for each board model.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changing the vertical position parameter of the holding element by moving the housing along the guide members, enabling the same device to adapt to different board thicknesses and groove positions through parameter adjustment rather than requiring different device types.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the holding element is fixed relative to the base, then device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate board expansion and groove height variations
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed to move dynamically along the guide members to accommodate board expansion and groove height variations, transforming a static structure into an adaptive mechanism that responds to dimensional changes in the board.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds vertical movement capability along the guide members, introducing a new dimensional degree of freedom that allows the holding element to adjust its position to accommodate groove height variations and board expansion in the vertical direction.
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 device securely attaches deck boards of varying thicknesses and accommodates expansion, improving installation efficiency and durability by preventing twisting and water accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
the guide member (18, 20) being deformable in a direction perpendicular to the first direction in the event of expansion of the blades
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a fixing device (10) for fixing at least one decking board to a support, comprising: a base (12) having at least one guide member (18,20) projecting perpendicularly to the upper face (14); a housing (50) cooperating with the first guide member (18,20) such that the housing (50) is mounted to slide relative to the base (12) in the first direction (D1); a retaining element (70) mounted to the housing (50) and configured to be engaged in at least one groove of the decking board, the retaining element (70) projecting on either side of the width of the housing; and a locking element configured to secure the fixing device to the support.