Alignment Fitting Bending Moment Curvature Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alignment fittings require significant force to correct curvature in structural components, as the tensile stress often increases curvature, making it difficult to straighten components that are convex on the side where the groove is located.
Innovation Solution
The alignment fitting incorporates pot-shaped anchors with a tensioning mechanism and a pressure piece that holds the push/pull rod end towards the bottom of the recess, allowing for a bending moment to be applied without axial tensile or shear forces, facilitating easier correction of curvature by adjusting the position of the nuts and using a U-shaped cover element with harpoon profiles to secure the cover in the groove.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tensile stress is applied via the push/pull rod to eliminate curvature in a component that is convex on the groove side, then the curvature correction is attempted, but the tensile stress increases the curvature instead, requiring considerable force
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying tensile stress through the push/pull rod to correct curvature, the invention inverts the approach by applying a bending moment through the offset anchor arrangement. The anchors are positioned such that the push/pull rod creates a bending moment that directly counteracts the curvature, rather than relying on tensile stress that inadvertently increases curvature.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional tensile stress approach to a two-dimensional bending moment approach. By offsetting the anchors from the neutral axis and positioning the push/pull rod to create a moment arm, the system utilizes rotational mechanics (bending moment) instead of linear tension, enabling curvature correction with significantly reduced force requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the push/pull rod is held by anchors in the groove to form an angle with the neutral axis, then a bending moment can be applied, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise anchor positioning and pot-shaped housings
Solution Approach 1:
The pot-shaped anchor housings serve multiple functions: they provide precise positioning of the push/pull rod relative to the neutral axis, enable the application of bending moment, and offer a integrated mounting structure that simplifies installation. The threaded holes in the anchors serve both as fastening elements and as positioning features, reducing the need for separate alignment components.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchors are pre-positioned in the pot-shaped housings at the correct offset distance from the neutral axis before installation. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the alignment fitting is installed, the push/pull rod automatically creates the required bending moment geometry, eliminating the need for complex field adjustments or precise manual alignment during installation.
3Reliability
If the groove is closed with a U-shaped cover element with harpoon profiles, then secure anchoring is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase for the cover and groove fit
Solution Approach 1:
The harpoon profiles on the U-shaped cover element utilize a geometric parameter change principle. The harpoons are designed with specific angles and dimensions that allow them to engage with the groove walls at optimal angles, creating mechanical interlocking that provides secure anchoring. The tapering of the space between the legs towards the base creates a self-centering effect that accommodates reasonable manufacturing tolerances while ensuring reliable engagement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enables easier correction of deflection in structural components by applying a bending moment that helps straighten warped components without needing to overcome significant dead center forces, ensuring secure anchoring and precise adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one end of the rod forms an angle with the neutral axis of the structural element in the direction of the depth of the groove
Implementation Method 2
The elastic restoring force of the bent push/pull rod induces a bending moment in the component
Implementation Method 3
a tensile stress acting in the longitudinal direction of the component can be exerted on the component
Implementation Method 4
The curvature increases when the push/pull rod is subjected to a shearing load by means of the tensioning device
Implementation Method 5
a pot-shaped housing which can be fixed in a force-locking or form-fitting manner in an associated recess of the component
Implementation Method 6
a pot-shaped housing which can be fixed in a force-locking or form-fitting manner in an associated recess of the component
Implementation Method 7
self-locking occurs because the pull/push rod spreads the legs of the U-profile as it moves outwards, so that the harpoon profiles dig into the walls of the groove
Implementation Method 8
the harpoon profiles dig into the walls of the groove all the more firmly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
Alignment fitting for elongated building elements (10), comprising a pull/push rod (16) which is to be inserted into a groove (12) extending longitudinally in the building element (10) and anchored at both ends to the building element (10) via respective anchors (18), and comprising a clamping mechanism (22) for adjusting at least one of the anchors (18) in the longitudinal direction of the pull/push rod (16), characterized in that the pull/push rod (16) is straight in the unloaded state, but is held in the groove (12) by the anchors (18) in such a way that at least one end of the rod forms an angle with the neutral fiber of the building element in the direction of the depth of the groove (12).