Snap-Together Plastic Fence System With Integrated Base
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fencing systems are complex and difficult to manufacture and assemble, particularly for do-it-yourself installations, often requiring multiple parts and anchoring materials like concrete, which increases costs and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A snap-together fencing system using injection molded and extruded plastic components, including hollow elongated members with grooves for posts and rails, U-shaped connectors, and a base with a hollow riser, allowing for easy assembly without digging holes or extensive hand tools, and optional rebar rods for anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fencing systems use multiple parts and anchoring materials like concrete, then the fence structure is stable, but the device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The base integrates multiple functions into a single component: the flat plate provides anchoring surface, the hollow riser receives and secures the post, and the integrated design eliminates the need for separate anchoring materials like concrete. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow elongated members serve dual purposes as both posts and rails depending on their orientation and connection context. The connectors are designed with universal adaptability to join these members in various configurations, reducing the need for specialized components for different fence elements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fencing systems use multiple parts and anchoring materials, then the fence structure is stable, but the ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fence system is divided into modular components (bases, posts, rails, connectors) that can be manufactured independently and assembled like Legos. This segmentation enables easy manufacture of individual parts and simple assembly by consumers without requiring complex manufacturing processes or specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow post fits inside the hollow riser of the base, and connectors nest within these hollow structures. This nested arrangement simplifies assembly by allowing components to be inserted into one another rather than requiring separate mounting operations, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If fencing systems are manufactured in modules and shipped intact, then the assembly is simplified, but the area of stationary object increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than shipping complete pre-assembled modules, the system is segmented into flat-packable components that can be shipped in compact configurations. The base, posts, rails, and connectors can be flattened or stacked efficiently, dramatically reducing shipping and retail display space while maintaining ease of assembly through simple snap-together connections.
4Reliability
If traditional fencing requires digging holes and using hand tools, then the anchoring is secure, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow elongated members are designed to be self-anchoring through their own structural features. The members can be driven directly into the ground using their hollow structure as an anchor, or receive connectors that provide anchoring without requiring separate anchoring materials or tools. This self-service capability eliminates the need for digging holes or using hand tools while maintaining reliable anchoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A snap together tubing system having a plurality of molded plastic members which function to provide the posts and nails of a fence and are configured to be assembled with connectors formed of molded plastic to attach the nails to the posts by snapping them together. A flat sheet backer board is affixed or fastened to the to the tubing system to create a wall.