Universal Railing System with Pivoting Baluster Ends

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing railing systems require different structural configurations for level and inclined applications, such as stairs, which complicates installation and view obstruction.

Innovation Solution

A universal railing system with spaced parallel upper and lower rails and upright balusters made of rods, featuring bent rod terminal ends that can pivot within elongate channels with specifically proportioned apertures, allowing for installation on both level and inclined surfaces without modification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional railing systems are used for inclined applications, then stability is maintained, but the structure requires different configurations for level and inclined applications, increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to level or inclined applicationsVSAvoidstructural configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The railing system is designed with a universal structure that can function in both level and inclined applications without requiring different configurations. The balusters are designed with bent terminal ends that can pivot within aperture channels, allowing the same railing structure to adapt to different installation angles and surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The baluster terminal ends are designed to pivot dynamically within the aperture channels of the rails. This dynamic capability allows the rigid railing structure to adapt to inclined surfaces while maintaining stability, enabling the same structure to work in both level and inclined applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If thick balusters are used, then structural strength is improved, but the view beyond the railing is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebaluster structural strengthVSAvoidview obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The balusters are constructed as thin rod elements with bent terminal ends that provide structural strength through their geometry and connection mechanism rather than through thickness. The thin profile of the rod balusters allows unobstructed views while the bent ends with pivot capability within aperture channels provide the necessary structural integrity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed rigid balusters are used, then manufacturing precision is simplified, but the railing cannot adapt to inclined surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different applicationsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of pivot mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The baluster is segmented into a straight rod portion and bent terminal end portions. The bent terminal ends are designed to pivot within the aperture channels of the rails, providing adaptability to inclined surfaces. This segmentation allows the majority of the baluster to remain a simple straight rod for easy manufacturing, while only the terminal ends require the additional pivot capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12234652B2Universal railing system for level or inclined applications

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 VIVIANO ROBERT P

AI summary

A universal railing system for level or inclined applications which includes spaced parallel upright rod balusters extending between top and bottom railings. The upper and lower ends of the rod balusters have bent rod terminal ends which are received through respective apertures of upper and lower channels which are secured respectively to the upper and lower rails whereby the baluster rod terminal ends may rotate within the channels in order to adapt the railing system from a level application to an inclined application.