Step Clip Fastening System for Deck Boards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deck fastening systems face issues with deck boards slipping out of clips, leading to horizontal sliding, and require additional fastening at ends and protection tapes to prevent water damage and rot.
Innovation Solution
The step clip fastening system comprises an elongated base strip with female and male locking parts, step clip sets extending perpendicularly, anchors for friction, and tabs for alignment, which securely attach deck boards to joists, preventing horizontal sliding and eliminating the need for protection tapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional clips are used to hold deck boards on joists, then the installation process is simple, but the deck boards may slip from the clips causing horizontal sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is divided into multiple functional segments: a base strip for attachment to the joist, multiple clips extending upward to engage the deck board, and locking parts at the ends. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the base strip provides secure joist attachment, the clips provide horizontal engagement, and the locking parts prevent displacement, collectively solving the slipping problem while maintaining installation simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking parts are pre-positioned at the ends of the base strip before installation. During installation, these locking parts automatically engage with the deck board edges as the board is placed, preventing horizontal sliding from the outset without requiring additional fastening steps or post-installation adjustments
2Reliability
If deck boards are screwed down at each end to prevent slipping, then horizontal stability is improved, but installation time and manpower increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions into a single integrated clip assembly: the base strip attachment function, the horizontal engagement function through upward-extending clips, and the anti-slipping function through end locking parts. This merging eliminates the need for separate screw-down operations at each deck board end, achieving both horizontal stability and installation efficiency
3Object-affected harmful factors
If protection tape is used to protect joist surfaces from water damage, then joist protection is improved, but the overall system complexity and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base strip serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the attachment surface for securing clips to the joist, extends over the joist edges to act as a protective barrier against water damage and rot, and serves as the structural foundation for the entire clip assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protection tape while reducing overall system complexity
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 system effectively restricts horizontal movement of deck boards, reduces installation time and manpower, and protects joists from water damage by extending the base strip over the joist edges.
Implementation Method 1
an anchor may be protruded at a center of each of the step clips. In addition, the step clip fastening device may comprise one or more tabs extending substantially perpendicularly downwards from the base strip between two corresponding step clips facing each other
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assembling a deck board by using a step clip fastening device is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of fastening the step clip fastening device onto a joist by using a plurality of fastening tools; sliding a first end of the deck board into an inner cavity of a step clip attached at a first end of the step clip fastening device; and snapping a second end of the deck board into an inner cavity of a corresponding step clip facing the step clip attached at the first end of the step clip fastening device to form a mating relationship between the deck board and the step clip fastening device.