Standoff Connector with Integrated Decorative Stirrup Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional standoff connectors for wood structural members have a utilitarian appearance, necessitating additional costs for finish carpentry to conceal them, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A standoff connector design featuring a base member with extending tabs and attachable stirrup plate members, allowing for adjustable and ornamental configurations to match the wood structural member, thereby eliminating the need for concealment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional standoff connector is used to support wood structural members above concrete surfaces, then the structural function is achieved, but the utilitarian appearance requires additional finish carpentry to conceal it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the structural standoff connector with decorative elements into a single integrated unit. The base plate and stirrup members are merged with decorative panels or trim pieces that provide both structural support and aesthetic appearance, eliminating the need for separate finish carpentry work to conceal the connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The standoff connector is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support to elevate the wood member above concrete, maintains proper spacing through the base plate thickness, and delivers aesthetic appearance through integrated decorative elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional concealment carpentry.
2Length of stationary object
If the base plate thickness is increased to ensure sufficient spacing above the substrate, then the standoff function is improved, but the visual prominence of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thick base plate is merged with decorative panels or trim pieces that match the aesthetic of the wood structural member. This combination allows the base plate to maintain its necessary thickness for proper spacing while the decorative elements camouflage its visual prominence, making the connector less noticeable.
Solution Approach 2:
The decorative elements attached to or integrated with the base plate are selected to match in color, grain, or texture with the wood structural member. This visual matching reduces the contrast between the connector and the wood, thereby reducing the visual prominence of the thick base plate.
Data Source
AI summary
A standoff connector forming, for example, a standoff post base, includes a base member having a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. The first edge is configured to include an extending first projection, and the second edge is configured to include an extending second projection. The standoff connector includes a first stirrup plate member that is selectably attachable to the base member at the first edge by inserting the first projection into and through an aperture formed in the first stirrup plate that is sized and shaped to receive the first projection. The standoff connector further includes a second stirrup plate member that is selectably attachable to the base member at the second edge by inserting the second projection into and through an aperture formed in the second stirrup plate that is sized and shaped to receive the second projection.