Universal Decking Fastener for Grooved Planks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hidden deck plank fasteners are specific to certain types of planks, groove dimensions, and materials, limiting their compatibility with diverse decking styles and materials.
Innovation Solution
A universal fastener design featuring a body with opposing legs and prongs, allowing for secure attachment to various decking planks with different styles and materials, including a collated series for efficient installation and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing hidden deck plank fasteners are designed for specific types of planks, then they provide secure attachment for those specific planks, but they lack compatibility with diverse decking styles, groove dimensions, and materials
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener body is designed with a universal geometry that can accommodate different groove types (undercut, square, rounded) and plank materials (wood, composite, PVC). The attachment opening and leg configuration allow a single fastener design to function across multiple decking applications, eliminating the need for different fastener types for different plank styles.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion that interfaces with the plank groove, legs that extend into the groove for mechanical engagement, and an attachment opening for fastening. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall versatility.
2Manufacturing precision
If fasteners are designed with specific groove and nub dimension requirements, then they provide precise fit for those dimensions, but they cannot accommodate planks with varying groove and material properties
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener design incorporates adjustable parameters including leg length, prong spacing, and attachment opening size that can be modified to match different groove dimensions. The body geometry is designed to accommodate a range of groove depths and widths, allowing the same fastener to adapt to varying plank specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener features asymmetric leg and prong configurations that can engage with different groove geometries (undercut, square, rounded). The asymmetric design allows the fastener to conform to various groove shapes while maintaining secure mechanical engagement through strategic placement of engagement points.
3Strength
If traditional fasteners are used for decking, then they provide structural attachment, but they require visible fastening elements that affect aesthetics and require more installation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The visible head portion of traditional fasteners is extracted and replaced with a concealed body that sits entirely within the plank groove. The attachment opening accepts fastening elements that are driven from above, allowing the fastener body to remain hidden while maintaining structural attachment capability through the legs and prongs engaged in the groove.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener body is nested within the plank groove, with legs extending downward into the groove space. This nesting arrangement allows the fastener to be concealed within the groove structure while still providing secure attachment, eliminating the need for visible surface fasteners.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener for attaching grooved decking planks to a support member has a body defining an attachment opening spacing apart opposing legs that may extend from a lateral shoulder. The body may include a planar portion The legs may have varying front or rear edge configurations. The front end may have downward extending teeth. A nose may extend from the front end while a tail may extend from the rear end of the body. Adjacent fasteners may be joined by their respective noses and tails to form a collated series of fasteners.