Two-Part Fence Post With Collar Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fence posts are heavy, cumbersome, and require significant storage space, leading to increased shipping costs due to their weight and volume, and are not easily movable for re-siting animal enclosures.
Innovation Solution
A two-part fence post design comprising a first member, a second member, and a fastening arrangement with a collar and self-tapping screw, allowing for compact packaging and assembly without the need for additional tools, and providing a waterproof seal and balanced structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional solid wood or metal fence posts are used, then the fence post provides sufficient strength and stability, but the weight and volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fence post is divided into multiple sections (first member and second member) that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows each section to be lighter and more manageable while maintaining overall structural strength through the joint connection system involving collar, fasteners, and adhesive.
2Volume of stationary object
If traditional solid fence posts are used, then the structure is stable, but the storage space and shipping costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first member is inserted within the collar, creating a nested configuration that reduces the overall volume when stored or shipped. The second member is then attached to the collar, forming a compact assembly that minimizes storage space while maintaining structural integrity through the nested joint design.
3Volume of moving object
If the first member is fully inserted within the collar, then the structure is compact, but water may ingress and cause weathering or corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
Adhesive is applied to the first member before insertion into the collar, creating a waterproof seal in advance. This preliminary application of adhesive prevents water ingress at the joint interface, protecting the materials from weathering and corrosion while maintaining the compact nested structure.
4Volume of stationary object
If a two-part design is used, then the fence post is easier to store and ship, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening mechanisms (adhesive, collar, fasteners) are combined into a single integrated joint system. This merging of fastening functions into one cohesive assembly process reduces the overall complexity compared to using separate, independent fastening systems for each connection point.
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 two-part design enables efficient, lightweight, and cost-effective production, reducing storage needs and shipping costs while ensuring stability and ease of assembly and repositioning of animal enclosures.
Implementation Method 1
The first member may be fixedly attached to the collar by means of an adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
A fence post for an animal enclosure including a first member, a second member, a collar, and a fastener. The first member and second member are substantially the same length. The second member has a cross-bore at a proximal end thereof, the collar defines an aperture, and the first member is fixedly attachable to the collar. The second member is configured to be partially received within the collar for alignment of the cross-bore and the aperture, and the second member is fixable relative to the collar by means of the fastener arranged to at least partially passthrough said cross-bore and said aperture.