Under-deck Clip Fastener for Hidden Joist Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional decking systems face issues with visible fastening means, rust, safety hazards, difficult installation due to hidden joists, loosening of decking members over time, and maintenance challenges, especially for decks close to the ground.

Innovation Solution

An under deck fastening system using a unitary clip that attaches decking members to joists without penetrating the surface, ensuring hidden fastening, easy installation and maintenance, and maintaining proper spacing for aeration, utilizing clips with diametrically opposed arm flanges and base portions that secure decking members through longitudinal grooves or slots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fastening means are installed directly through the top face of decking members to joists, then decking members are securely attached, but the fastening means become visible and unattractive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional fastening approach by installing fastening means from underneath the decking member rather than through the top face. The fastening means engage the joist from below and secure the decking member without any visible penetration of the top surface, thereby maintaining both secure attachment and aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If fastening means are installed directly through decking members, then attachment is achieved, but the fastening means may rust and discolor the decking members

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidrust and discoloration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastening means from direct contact with the decking member surface. By positioning the fastening means underneath the decking member with only minimal contact at the bottom surface, the system eliminates the harmful effects of rust and discoloration that would otherwise affect the visible decking surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If fastening means are installed directly through decking members, then attachment is achieved, but hammer blows may damage the surface of the decking member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the installation approach by fastening from underneath rather than from above. This eliminates the need for hammer blows to the decking surface, as the fastening means are installed from the bottom side where no surface damage can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If decking members are fastened directly to joists, then attachment is achieved, but installation becomes problematic because joists cannot be seen underneath the decking member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by positioning and securing the fastening means to the joist before the decking member is fully installed. The fastening means are pre-positioned underneath the decking member, allowing the installer to simply lower the decking member into place without needing to locate joists through trial and error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

5Reliability

If decking members are fastened directly to joists, then attachment is achieved, but after a period time the decking members may loosen and move

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial attachmentVSAvoidlong-term stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite fastening system consisting of multiple components (fastening means, decking member, joist) that work together to distribute loads and prevent loosening. The fastening means are designed to engage both the joist and decking member in a way that maintains stable connection over time, preventing movement and maintaining uniform appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS8011153B2Deck fastener and method of use

Publication Date: 2011.09.06 PAN AMERICAN SCREW

AI summary

A clip device for fastening first and second structural members typically decking members. The clip device has a base portion with first and second opposed ends and a thickness a first vertical leg portion integral with the leg base portion is horizontally spaced apart from a second vertical leg portion integral with the base portion. Arm flange portions integral to the first and second vertical leg portions are horizontally spaced from the base and aligned respectively towards said first and second opposed ends. A fastener receiving hole in the base is used to attach the clip device to the joist. The base portion, vertical leg portion and arm flange portion define diametrically opposed U-shaped jaw elements for holding the structural member to the joist.