Universal Fence Connector Kit for Modular Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency in manufacturing and usage of pre-fabricated gated fences, particularly those made of PVC, due to the need for a wide variety of interchangeable parts to accommodate different fence installations, leading to wasteful inventory practices and increased construction time for contractors.
Innovation Solution
A connector system comprising a rigid sleeve with flanges and extension members that allows for the assembly of fence sections with adjustable and interchangeable components, enabling the creation of various fence styles and shapes using a kit of elongate beams and panels, reducing the need for multiple pre-fabricated sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wholesalers and retailers stock a broad selection of fence sections to accommodate different installations, then customer needs are met, but inventory waste increases and economic efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fence system is divided into modular components (beams, panels, connectors) that can be independently stored and assembled. This segmentation allows retailers to stock only the basic modular units rather than pre-assembled sections of every possible size and configuration, reducing inventory waste while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with universal functionality to work with multiple beam sizes and fence panel configurations. The connector's standardized interface allows it to adapt to different installation requirements, enabling a single universal connector design to replace multiple specialized connectors, thereby reducing inventory complexity and waste.
2Productivity
If contractors use traditional fence construction methods, then fence sections can be built, but construction time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-designed with integrated features including pre-positioned apertures for fasteners, pre-formed flanges for attachment, and pre-configured extension members for alignment. This preliminary design eliminates the need for on-site cutting, drilling, or complex assembly steps, allowing contractors to simply connect pre-prepared components, thereby significantly reducing construction time.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides structural connection between beams, includes attachment interfaces for fence panels, provides alignment features through extension members, and incorporates fastening apertures. This merging of functions into one component eliminates the need for multiple separate parts and assembly steps, improving construction productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal connector design is used, then interchangeability and adaptability improve, but connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional elements (sleeve portion, flanges, extension members, apertures) that can be independently designed and manufactured. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity, achieving universality without unnecessary complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of an invention regarding universal fence sections are described including a specially shaped fence section connector that may act as an elbow and/or a T-member, a universal fence section kit with parts for assembling a universal fence section including a specially shaped fence section connector, and a universal fence section assembled using a specially shaped fence section connector.