Arcuate Washer Assembly for Angular Ferrule Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washer assemblies struggle to accommodate varying dimensions and angular displacement of ferrules in pre-cast concrete elements, leading to difficulties in securing them accurately.
Innovation Solution
A washer assembly comprising a first and second washer portion with co-operating projections and recesses, along with an arcuate surface on the threaded fastener, allowing for relative movement and angular adjustment to align with the ferrule's longitudinal axis, ensuring secure engagement despite inaccuracies in ferrule positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional washer assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate angular displacement of the ferrule longitudinal axis
Solution Approach 1:
The washer assembly is divided into two separate washer portions: a first washer portion that engages with the coupling plate and a second washer portion that engages with the ferrule. These portions can move relative to each other, allowing the assembly to accommodate angular displacement while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer assembly transitions from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The two washer portions are designed to move relative to each other, enabling the assembly to adapt to angular variations in ferrule positioning while maintaining secure engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the aperture is made larger to accommodate misalignment, then angular displacement is accommodated, but the fastening precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the washer into two portions with separate engagement functions, the system can tolerate positioning inaccuracies through relative movement while maintaining precise fastening through the cooperative action of projections and recesses that lock the portions together.
Solution Approach 2:
The two washer portions act as intermediaries between the coupling plate and the ferrule. They absorb the misalignment through relative movement while the projections and recesses ensure precise engagement, effectively mediating between the imperfectly aligned components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If projections and recesses are added to inhibit relative movement, then fastening stability is improved, but the ease of assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The projections and recesses are pre-formed on the washer portions during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when the washers are assembled, the stable engagement occurs automatically without requiring additional operations, balancing stability with assembly ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A ferrule (10) that is intended to be cast into a concrete element, such as a concrete panel. Engaged with the ferrule (10) is a washer assembly (22) that secures a plate (19) to the concrete element (16) for the purposes of securing the concrete element (16) to an adjacent concrete element (17). The washer assembly (22) has a threaded fastener (21) that can be adjusted angularly for engagement with the ferrule (10).