U-Shaped Bracket with Spring Steel Lugs for Board Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for fixing blades in construction surface coatings, such as terraces or claddings, are time-consuming and expensive due to the extensive use of screws, which prolongs the assembly time.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped fixing bracket with spring steel lugs that snap into longitudinal grooves on joists, allowing for quick assembly without the need for extensive screwing, and featuring hooks with angled segments for secure engagement and adjustable gaps between blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional T-shaped metal fixings with screws are used to secure boards to joists, then reliable mechanical fastening is achieved, but installation time increases significantly and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the screw fastening operation from the essential fastening function. The T-shaped metal fixing retains its structural role in securing boards to joists, but the time-consuming screw insertion step is eliminated by using a snap-in mechanism where the upright simply needs to be inserted into the joist groove without threaded fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-shaped fixing performs its fastening function through its own structural geometry rather than requiring external screw fasteners. The head engages with the board groove while the upright fits into the joist groove, creating a self-contained mechanical interlock that secures the board without additional fastening operations.
2Reliability
If T-shaped metal fixings with screws are used for board installation, then secure mechanical connection is achieved, but the process becomes expensive due to extended installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the screw fastening step from the installation process while retaining the T-shaped fixing structure. This extraction of the time-consuming and cost-intensive screw operation maintains the mechanical connection reliability through the geometric interlock of the T-shaped profile with the grooves in the board and joist.
3Reliability
If hooks are made completely rigid for strong clamping, then secure board retention is achieved, but insertion into grooves becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is designed with dynamic characteristics through the angled terminal portion (0-35° outward angle) that allows the hook to flex during insertion and then spring back to provide clamping force. This dynamic behavior enables easy insertion while maintaining secure retention, as the hook transitions from a flexible insertion state to a rigid clamping state.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook geometry incorporates parameter changes along its length, with the terminal portion angled outward at 0-35° to create elasticity for insertion, while the main body remains substantially vertical for structural strength. This gradient in geometric parameters allows the hook to exhibit different mechanical properties at different locations, facilitating both easy insertion and secure clamping.
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 solution significantly reduces assembly time by enabling snap-fastening and elastic adjustment, allowing for quick and easy installation with minimal screws, thus reducing costs and improving installation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The use of spring steel in the manufacture of the bracket. Advantageously, the lug interacts with the groove of the joist by snapping into said groove.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a fastening assembly for boards (51) intended to form a floor covering or cladding, the boards (51) having a longitudinal groove (53) on each longitudinal side essentially perpendicular to the outer and inner faces, said fastening assembly comprising (i) a joist (31) of essentially rectangular cross-section, at least one of whose longitudinal faces (35) essentially perpendicular to the mounting surface (41) has at least one longitudinal groove (43, 45), and (ii) a fastening bracket (1) essentially U-shaped having a web (3) and two arms (5, 7), intended to span the joist (31), at least one of the arms (5, 7) having a lug (11) projecting on the inner face of said arm (5, 7) and intended to interact with the groove (45) formed in the joist (31), the web (3) of said fastening bracket (1) having at least two hooks on its outer face (17,19) arranged side by side and oriented in opposite directions.