Beam Coupling Device with Rotating Flange Lock for Fast Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling beam ends are either labor-intensive or result in loose connections, leading to deflections and fluctuations in larger scaffolding or covering structures, particularly when manual handling is required without the use of cranes.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with elongate beam ends featuring parallel flange elements and cut-outs, where a connecting element with an oval or elliptical cross-section is inserted and rotated to secure the assembly, providing a strong and stable interconnection between beam ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional assembly methods with bolts and screws are used to connect beam ends, then the connection can be secure, but the assembly process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into distinct functional segments: first flange elements with cut-outs on one beam end, and a second flange with connecting elements on the other beam end. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled through simple insertion and rotation movements, eliminating complex bolt tightening operations while maintaining connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements are pre-configured with specific cross-sectional shapes (oval, elliptical, or polygonal with different side lengths) that correspond to the cut-out dimensions. This preliminary design ensures that when the beam ends are brought together, the connecting elements automatically align with and fit into the cut-outs, requiring only rotation for final locking, thus dramatically speeding up assembly while ensuring reliable connections
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional assembly methods are used to connect beam ends, then connections can be made, but the assembled structure becomes loose with large deflections and fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are designed with asymmetric cross-sections (oval, elliptical, or polygonal shapes with unequal sides) that create a mechanical interference fit within the cut-outs. When inserted and rotated, the asymmetric geometry prevents withdrawal and ensures positive engagement, creating rigid connections that eliminate loose movements and deflections while keeping the assembly process simple
Solution Approach 2:
The use of oval or elliptical cross-sections for connecting elements provides curved surfaces that engage smoothly with the cut-outs during rotation. This curvature allows for easy insertion and rotation while ensuring firm engagement, creating stable connections without complex assembly procedures
3Reliability
If beam ends are designed for secure connection, then the assembly becomes rigid, but the complexity of the coupling device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential elements needed for secure connection: cut-outs in the first flanges and corresponding connecting elements on the second flange. By removing unnecessary components and simplifying the geometry to basic shapes with asymmetric cross-sections, the device achieves reliable locking through simple insertion and rotation without increasing overall complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device suitable for interconnecting two beam ends is provided, wherein the beam with the beam end has an elongate axis, where on a first beam end is arranged first interconnection units having two first parallel flange elements arranged with a mutual first distance x, wherein in each flange is designed a cut-out with a cross-section in the plane of the flange; a second beam end is arranged a second interconnection unit having a second flange, the width of the second flange across the plane of the second flange is smaller than or equal to x, and where largely perpendicular to the plane of the second flange, a connecting element protrudes on each side of the second flange, the cross-section of the connecting element in the plane of the second flange allows insertion of the connecting element into the cut-outs of the first flanges on the first beam end.