Angled Fastener Alignment Guide for Precise Structural Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener installation tools are costly, time-consuming, and fail to ensure accurate alignment and even load distribution, leading to potential damage and differential displacement in structural connections.
Innovation Solution
A fastener alignment guide comprising a planar body with angled elements and aligned apertures, and a slip-resisting guide with guidewalls and bearing edges, ensuring precise angular alignment and even load distribution without additional components or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional fastener installation tools (pocket screw jig, secondary machined parts) are used, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment guide function directly into the connector body by forming an angled element with a first aperture that is integral to the connector. This eliminates the need for separate alignment tools or secondary machined parts, achieving precise fastener alignment while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector itself provides the alignment function through its built-in angled element and apertures. The connector serves dual purposes: both as the structural connection element and as the alignment guide, eliminating the need for external alignment devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional fastener installation tools are used, then alignment precision is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the alignment function into the connector body, the patent eliminates the need for separate alignment tools that would require additional installation steps. The aligned apertures guide the fastener directly during installation, reducing time while maintaining precision.
3Strength
If fasteners are installed at non-perpendicular angles to improve connection strength, then connection strength is improved, but alignment precision becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates an angled element with a specific aperture directly into the connector body at the required angle for optimal connection strength. This built-in guide ensures that fasteners are installed at the precise non-perpendicular angle needed for strength while maintaining alignment precision through the aligned aperture system.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled element provides localized guidance at the specific angle required for optimal connection strength, while the rest of the connector maintains its structural function. The first aperture is positioned and oriented to provide precise guidance for fastener insertion at the required angle.
4Manufacturing precision
If templates are used for checking fastener angle, then alignment precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector with its integrated angled element and aligned apertures serves as its own alignment template. The physical structure of the apertures provides continuous guidance during fastener insertion, eliminating the need for separate template checking operations and making the process easier to perform correctly.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a fastener alignment guide comprising a generally planar body and an angled element arranged at an acute angle θ to the body, a first aperture arranged through the angled element and a second aperture arranged through the body, wherein the first aperture and the second apertures are aligned such that a fastener may be inserted progressively through the first and second apertures in use. The present invention also provides a slip-resisting fastener alignment guide comprising a body at least partially arranged in a first plane, the body comprising a first aperture for receiving, in use, at least a portion of a shank of a fastener; and a guidewall extending out of the first plane for guiding the fastener, in use, into the first aperture at an acute angle α to the first plane, wherein the guidewall comprises a first bearing edge or surface upon which an underside of a head of the fastener can bear in use, the body further comprises a second bearing edge or surface upon which the underside of the head of the fastener can bear in use, and the first bearing edge or surface and the second bearing edge or surface are each configured/arranged to resist movement, in use, of the fastener alignment guide relative to the fastener in a first direction parallel to the first plane.The present invention also provides a method of forming the fastener alignment guide and slip-resisting fastener alignment guide.