Elastomeric Clamping Jaw Mounting Element for Prefabricated Buildings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional fastening systems for prefabricated buildings are complex, time-consuming, and costly to assemble, requiring access to nuts or threaded rods, and are difficult to disassemble in emergencies.

Innovation Solution

A quick assembly element with clamping jaws and a sleeve, utilizing a permanently elastic adhesive connection that allows pivoting, simplifying assembly by eliminating complex mechanisms and enabling precise positioning, and allowing for easy disassembly with a tool-accessible recess.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex clamping mechanisms with clamping rings or tension springs are used, then the clamping jaws can be spread and engaged with threads, but the production becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping engagement reliabilityVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex clamping mechanisms (clamping rings, tension springs) from the nut structure and replaces them with a simplified design where the clamping jaws are directly integrated into the nut body with minimal internal mechanisms, reducing production complexity while maintaining clamping functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using active mechanisms to spread clamping jaws outward, the patent inverts the approach by having the clamping jaws naturally engage through elastic deformation of the nut material itself, eliminating the need for complex spreading mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If complex mechanisms are used to spread and press clamping jaws onto threads, then secure fastening is achieved, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening securityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by designing the clamping jaws to automatically engage and clamp onto the threaded rod through the elastic deformation of the nut material when the rod is inserted, without requiring any additional mechanisms or steps to spread or press the jaws into position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical spreading mechanisms with a material-based solution where the elastic properties of the nut material itself provide the clamping force, substituting mechanical complexity with material property utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If clamping jaws are enclosed within complex internal mechanisms, then they can be held in place, but direct access for emergency loosening becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping jaw positioningVSAvoidaccessibility for emergency release
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the nut into distinct functional zones: the clamping jaws are positioned in accessible locations on the nut perimeter, while the internal structure remains simplified, allowing both stable positioning and easy access to the jaws for emergency release operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If conventional nuts require access to the nut or threaded rod for connection, then the connection can be established, but assembly becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The quick assembly element performs self-service by automatically clamping onto the threaded rod through elastic deformation when inserted, eliminating the need for manual tightening or access to internal mechanisms, thereby dramatically increasing assembly speed while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Significantly reduces assembly time and cost, improves connection precision, and allows for quick disassembly and reassembly, while maintaining a stable and durable connection over long periods.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive connection of the clamping jaws and the sleeve is provided, which allows the pivoting of the clamping jaws

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The adhesive connection is preferably formed from a permanently elastic adhesive such as, in particular, an elastomeric adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2738401B1Fast mounting element
Publication Date: 2016.08.10 FRITZ HUBERT
  • EP2738401B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2738401B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2738401B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The mounting element (1) has two clamping jaws (20), and jaws enclosing sleeve (10). The pivoting of clamping jaws permits the adhesive connection (21) of jaws and sleeve. The adhesive connection consists of elastomer adhesive, fusion adhesive, hot melt adhesive based polymer or resin-based adhesive, or mixtures. The sleeve or base of a case (13) is partly or fully filled with adhesive (19). The adhesive is transparent, opaque and/or mixed with coloring agent. The clamping jaw is pivoted relative to sleeve longitudinal axis (A).