Bamboo Pipe Connection Assembly Using Reinforced Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection methods for bamboo canes, such as adhesive-based solutions and plug-in systems, face issues like high manufacturing costs, low tensile strength, and susceptibility to cracking due to uneven shape tolerances and material weaknesses, particularly in applications requiring high resilience and precise positioning.

Innovation Solution

A connection arrangement featuring transverse bores in bamboo canes with reinforcement plates and clamping devices that enclose the bamboo tubes, distributing forces over the surface to prevent cracking and enhance load capacity, while using sleeves for precise positioning and bolts for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If adhesive-based connection methods are used for bamboo canes, then the connection can accommodate shape tolerances, but the manufacturing time increases due to long curing time and handling complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of shape tolerancesVSAvoidcuring time and handling time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical adhesive bonding system with a mechanical connection system using a connecting element that features a form-fit interface. The inclined surfaces and engagement geometry provide mechanical interlocking that eliminates the need for adhesive curing time while maintaining adaptability to shape variations through the designed tolerance compensation features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes the adhesive substance from the connection system entirely, replacing it with a pure mechanical connecting element. This elimination of chemical bonding agents resolves the time-consuming curing process and simplifies handling by removing messy adhesive application steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If liquid adhesive is used for connecting bamboo canes, then material connections can be formed, but handling becomes cumbersome and contamination risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial connection strengthVSAvoidhandling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the liquid adhesive application system with a dry mechanical insertion system. The connecting element is simply inserted into the bore through form-fit engagement, eliminating all handling issues associated with liquid adhesives such as contamination, messiness, and precision requirements for application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element is designed as a simple, inexpensive mechanical component that can be easily replaced if needed, unlike adhesive which creates permanent bonds. This disposable-like simplicity greatly improves ease of operation and reduces the skill level required for assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If bamboo canes are connected using traditional methods, then connections can be made, but tensile strength is insufficient particularly in clamped connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidtensile strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element combines multiple functional features in a single composite component: form-fit engagement surfaces for strength, inclined surfaces for tolerance compensation, and integration with the bamboo cane structure. This composite design achieves both high tensile strength and ease of manufacture that cannot be obtained with simple clamping alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curved and inclined surfaces in the connecting element geometry that distribute stresses more effectively than flat rigid connections. The curved engagement surfaces provide better stress distribution and mechanical interlocking, significantly enhancing tensile strength while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Adaptability or versatility

If connecting elements are designed for different pipe diameters, then versatility is improved, but installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different diametersVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is designed with adjustable parameters including the bore diameter and engagement geometry that can be varied to accommodate different bamboo cane diameters. This parametric design allows a single connecting element type to serve multiple diameter requirements without increasing the overall installation space footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2492517B1Connection assembly for bamboo pipes

Publication Date: 2017.08.16 JANSEN SEBASTIAN

Figure 1~2
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AI summary

The arrangement has connection sheet arranged in sides of the arrangement and penetrated by bolts. A bore hole is formed on the sides of a bamboo cane (1) in a bamboo cane outer wall. One of the openings includes reinforced plates or two reinforcing plate sections of a sheet metal strip for covering bore openings that lie opposite to each other. The plates and/or plate sections are pressed by a clamping device against the bamboo cane outer wall, where the clamping device includes a clamping element i.e. clip. Sleeves (3.1, 3.2) lie in transverse holes (2.1, 2.2).