Perforated Brace Band Connector With Tool-Free Rivet Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing bracing systems, particularly those using perforated brace bands, are cumbersome and time-consuming to assemble due to the need for additional tools and hardware like bolts and nuts, and there is a risk of joint components disengaging if not properly secured, increasing assembly costs and time.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a plate member featuring first and second end portions with rivets and a step portion that guides and securely engages the perforated brace band without the need for fastening tools, using rivets that provide a simple yet secure connection by leveraging the band into opposing pins or rivets, and optionally incorporating resilient rivets for a retaining interference fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bolts and nuts are used to join the perforated brace band to attachment plates, then a secure connection is achieved, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fastening tools (bolts and nuts) from the assembly process by using a connector with integrated rivets that are pre-attached to the plate member. The rivets are operably coupled to the plate member and project away to engage with the perforations in the brace band, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to be self-installing through the step portion that guidingly receives the perforated brace band and automatically positions the rivets for engagement with the perforations. The resilient rivets provide automatic retaining interference fit without requiring additional tools or fastening steps
2Reliability
If additional locking elements are used to secure the coupled perforated brace band and plate member, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the plate member, rivets, and locking mechanism into a single integrated connector assembly. The rivets are operably coupled to the plate member and serve both as connection elements and locking elements, eliminating the need for separate locking components
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient rivets automatically provide retaining interference fit when engaged with the perforations in the brace band, creating a self-locking mechanism that prevents disengagement without requiring additional locking elements or assembly steps
3Strength
If traditional fastening methods are used, then connection strength is maintained, but assembly simplicity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for fastening tools and complex fastening procedures by using pre-attached rivets that are operably coupled to the plate member. The rivets project away from the plate member and directly engage with the perforations in the brace band, simplifying the assembly to a single insertion action
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design with the step portion that guidingly receives the perforated brace band automatically positions and secures the rivets in place, providing a self-installing mechanism that maintains connection strength while dramatically simplifying the assembly operation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides for a connector for anchoring perforated brace bands, comprising a plate member, having an upper surface and a lower surface opposing said upper surface, said pate member further comprising a first end portion, comprising at least one first-type rivet, operably coupled to and projecting away from said upper surface and configured to couplingly engage with perforations of a first portion of a perforated brace band; a second end portion, opposite said first end portion, comprising at least one of said first-type rivet operably coupled to and projecting away from said lower surface and configured to couplingly engage with perforations of a second portion of the perforated brace band, and a step portion, provided between said first end portion and said second end portion, having at least one aperture configured to guidingly receive the perforated brace band, wherein said second end portion is parallelly offset from said first end portion by a predetermined distance in a direction normal to said upper surface via said step portion.