Sliding Stair Railing Bracket to Eliminate Rail-to-Post Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional railing systems for stairs often feature gaps between the rail and the post due to the angled orientation, which is unsightly and allows elements like rain and dirt to enter.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system comprising a base with a plate and sidewalls, and a cover that slides over the base, with plate protrusions and flanges that engage to secure the cover, effectively closing gaps between the rail and the post.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the rails are securely attached to the posts at an angle for stairs, then the attachment strength is improved, but gaps are formed between the rail and post which are unsightly and allow elements to enter
Solution Approach 1:
A bracket assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the rail and post. The bracket includes a base attached to the post and a cover that engages with the base, creating a complete connection system that eliminates gaps while maintaining secure attachment at various angles
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to slide over the base, with the cover walls enclosing the base structure. The flanges on the cover nest onto the plate protrusions of the base, creating a nested configuration that closes the gap between the rail and post while maintaining structural integrity
2Shape
If a bracket system with sliding cover is used to close gaps, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into two main segments: a base portion that attaches to the post and a cover portion that engages with the base. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components while achieving the complex function of gap elimination when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly is designed to be universally applicable to various rail and post configurations. The base and cover components can accommodate different angles and dimensions, making the system multi-functional for various stair configurations without requiring custom designs
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for connecting a stair rail to a post comprises a base and a cover adapted to slide over the base. The base comprises a plate and two opposed sidewalls. The plate has first and second surfaces. The sidewalls extend from the first surface of the plate. Two plate protrusions are formed on the second surface of the plate, with the two plate protrusions extending for at least a portion of a height of the plate. The cover comprises a roof, two opposed cover walls extending from the roof, and two flanges. Each of the cover walls comprise a cover wall edge, with each of the flanges extend from the cover wall edge for at least a portion of a height of the cover wall. The flanges are adapted to engage with the plate protrusions when the cover is slid over the base.