Adjustable Positioning Device for Structural Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting devices for structural parts often require different overall heights and distances between tensile and compressive force-transmitting elements, limiting adaptability and increasing mass, as they cannot easily accommodate varying heights and forces, and the subsequent connection methods like screw connections have limited tolerance compensation.

Innovation Solution

A positioning device with adjustable support regions for tensile and compressive force-transmitting elements, allowing fixation in multiple positions with different distances, and featuring adjustable sleeves and fixing openings to adapt to various connecting devices, enabling precise alignment and reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If connecting devices use fixed overall heights and fixed distances between tensile and compressive force-transmitting elements, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but adaptability to varying heights and forces is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying heights and forcesVSAvoidcomplexity of positioning device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device is divided into a first part and a second part that can be fixed together in multiple different positions. The first part contains support regions for tensile force-transmitting elements, while the second part contains support regions for compressive force-transmitting elements. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to different heights and force requirements by selecting appropriate positioning configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow it to change its configuration. The first and second parts can be fixed together in at least two different positions, enabling the device to dynamically adapt to varying connecting device heights and force transmission requirements, rather than being static and fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If different connecting device heights require different distances between force-transmitting elements, then precise force transmission is achieved, but the number of different positioning devices required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of force-transmitting element alignmentVSAvoidversatility of single positioning device
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple functions and configurations. By enabling the first and second parts to be fixed together in multiple different positions, a single positioning device design can accommodate various connecting device heights and force transmission requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized positioning devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning device allows for changes in geometric parameters, specifically the distance between support regions for tensile and compressive force-transmitting elements. By adjusting the relative positioning of the first and second parts, the device can modify its effective length and support region distances to match different connecting device specifications while maintaining precise alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If positioning devices are designed for specific connecting device heights, then positioning precision is improved, but the structural mass increases due to inability to reuse

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precision of force-transmitting elementsVSAvoidmass of positioning device
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device is designed to be temporary and removable after serving its purpose during concrete casting. Once the concrete has set and the force-transmitting elements are properly positioned and secured, the positioning device can be removed and reused for subsequent construction tasks. This recovering aspect reduces the need for permanent structural mass while maintaining positioning precision during the critical placement phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Strength

If screw connections are used for subsequent connection of structural parts, then strong mechanical connection is achieved, but tolerance compensation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength of structural connectionVSAvoidtolerance compensation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device performs preliminary positioning of the force-transmitting elements before the final screw connection is made. By ensuring that the support regions are correctly positioned at the appropriate distances and orientations during the concrete casting phase, the positioning device pre-compensates for potential misalignments, allowing the subsequent screw connection to achieve both strength and tolerance compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4491815A1Positioning device and method for connecting a second construction part to a first construction part
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 F J ASCHWANDEN AG
  • EP4491815A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4491815A1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP4491815A1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

A positioning device (26) is provided for positioning at least one tensile force-transmitting element (9) relative to at least one compressive force-transmitting element (19) of a connecting device (1) for connecting two force-absorbing structural components (2, 3). The positioning device (26) has at least one first support area (33) for support against at least one tensile force-transmitting element (9) and at least one second support area (34) for support against at least one compressive force-transmitting element (19). The at least one first support area (33) is formed in a first part (31) of the positioning device (26) and the at least one second support area (34) in a second part (32) of the positioning device (26).The first part (31) can be fixed to the second part (32) in at least two different positions (54, 55, 56), wherein the at least one first support area (33) has different distances (a1, a2, a3) to the at least one second support area (34) in the at least two positions (54, 55, 56). A method for connecting a second structural part (3) to a first structural part (2) by means of a connecting device (1) and by means of a positioning device (26) provides that the first part (31) of the positioning device (26) is fixed to the second part (32) at a desired distance of the support areas (33, 34).