Centered Hole Drilling for Aligned Truss Bolt Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drilling centered holes on metal truss connector plates is difficult, leading to misalignment of bolts and reduced structural support in truss structures.
Innovation Solution
A method and tooling system involving templates, pilot rods, and hole saws to create aligned holes coaxial with the centerline between locations on opposite sides of a truss, using pilot holes and bushings to guide the hole saw for precise drilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a drill is used to create holes in metal truss connector plates, then holes can be formed for bolt connections, but the holes are difficult to center accurately on the plate, leading to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces templates with precisely positioned openings as intermediary elements between the drill and the truss connector plate. The templates are placed on opposite sides of the plate and secured together, providing a mediator that guides the drill bit through aligned openings to ensure accurate hole centering without requiring direct measurement or alignment of the plate itself
Solution Approach 2:
The templates are prepared in advance with precisely positioned openings that correspond to the desired hole locations on the truss connector plate. By pre-positioning these guiding openings in the templates before the drilling operation, the system eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during drilling, as the templates already contain the precise positioning information
2Productivity
If holes are not accurately centered on metal truss connector plates, then drilling is easier and faster, but bolt connections become misaligned and structural support is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The templates serve as intermediary guiding elements that enable both fast drilling and reliable alignment. The pre-positioned openings in the templates allow the drill bit to pass through quickly without complex alignment procedures, while simultaneously ensuring that the holes are accurately centered for proper bolt connection alignment, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The template system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it guides hole positioning, maintains alignment between opposite sides of the plate, and ensures accurate centering all in one operation. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both fast drilling and reliable bolt connection alignment without requiring separate operations or compromising either productivity or reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are tools for creating holes in precise locations for alignment on two different sides of an object, such as a strut or beam. Precise alignment of the holes allows for support of the object using a connecting bolt. Oversized holes can be corrected using an insert with an opening of the proper size. Precisely located holes can also be provided in angled materials, such as angled trusses and beams.