Stairway Stringer Assembly Concealing Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular stairway systems lack a structural stringer that also provides an aesthetic appearance when exposed, requiring additional finishing components to conceal structural elements.

Innovation Solution

A stringer assembly comprising two members, where the first member is secured to the steps with fasteners and the second member is positioned to conceal these fasteners, creating a structural and aesthetically finished stringer system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a structural stringer is used to support the steps, then the structural strength is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible fasteners

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The stringer is divided into two distinct members: a structural member that provides strength and supports the steps with fasteners, and a cosmetic member that conceals the fasteners and provides aesthetic appearance. This segmentation allows each member to fulfill its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cosmetic member is positioned to overlay and conceal the structural member's fasteners. The cosmetic member essentially 'wraps' around the visible portion of the structural member, hiding the fasteners while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Shape

If additional finishing components are added to conceal fasteners, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cosmetic member and structural member are combined into a single integrated stringer assembly. The cosmetic member is designed to work specifically with the structural member, and together they form a complete stringer unit that provides both strength and aesthetics without requiring separate finishing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cosmetic member serves multiple functions: it conceals the fasteners, provides aesthetic appearance, and contributes to the overall structural assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate finishing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8806817B2Structural stringer for stairways

Publication Date: 2014.08.19 CASE MODULAR STAIR SYST

AI summary

A stringer assembly for mounting to steps of a stairway, comprises first and second stringer members. The first stringer member are adapted to be secured to the steps with first fasteners that are driven through the first stringer member and then into the steps. The second stringer member is adapted to be positioned with respect to the first stringer member such as to conceal the first fastener and to be mounted thereto via second fasteners and glue, wherein the second fasteners are adapted to be driven through the first stringer member and then into the second stringer member. Decorative covers are provided for mounting onto exposed edges of the first and second stringer members. A method for assembling a stringer to steps of a stairway and a kit for producing a stringer assembly for use in stairways are also disclosed.