Clevis-Type Truss Rod Coupling for High Load Capacity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plated truss rod coupling systems provide only a single sheer plane, limiting the load-bearing capacity, which is insufficient for large and long spans in mechanized irrigation systems and other applications.
Innovation Solution
A non-welded, clevis-type coupling assembly with a coupling plate having three sections oriented at 90° angles, creating two sheer planes, and a fastening bolt system that secures truss rods, enhancing load distribution and bearing capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single sheer plane coupling system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the load-bearing capacity is insufficient for large and long spans
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into multiple sheer planes (first and second sheer planes) that are oriented at angles to each other. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple planes, increasing the overall load-bearing capacity while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane coupling system to a multi-plane three-dimensional coupling system. By adding shear planes at different orientations (including perpendicular orientations), the system utilizes additional spatial dimensions to distribute and resist loads, thereby increasing load-bearing capacity without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Strength
If multiple sheer planes are created to increase load-bearing capacity, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is divided into distinct functional segments including the first truss rod, second truss rod, and coupling element with defined first and second sheer planes. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve enhanced load-bearing capacity through coordinated multi-plane load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the first sheer plane for load distribution, the second sheer plane for additional load bearing, and serves as a structural connector between truss rods. This multi-functionality increases strength while minimizing the need for additional separate components, thereby controlling overall complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a non-welded coupling system is used, then the ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but the load-bearing capacity may be reduced compared to welded systems
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is pre-configured with defined sheer planes and geometric features during manufacturing that are specifically designed to distribute loads effectively. This preliminary structuring ensures that when assembled without welding, the load distribution across multiple planes compensates for the lack of weld connections, maintaining high load-bearing capacity while preserving ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system utilizes composite structural arrangements combining multiple truss rods with the coupling element at different orientations. This composite configuration creates a multi-plane load path that distributes stresses across various components, achieving welded-system-level strength through mechanical assembly alone, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture and assembly.
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
The solution significantly increases the load-bearing capacity by dispersing separation forces across multiple planes, effectively managing torque and forces at coupling joints, thereby supporting larger and longer spans without the need for welding.
Implementation Method 1
creating two sheer planes, and a fastening bolt system that secures truss rods, enhancing load distribution and bearing capacity
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide a non-welded, clevis-type coupling assembly that provides two sheer planes and, accordingly, increases the load bearing capacity thereof. The assembly includes a coupling plate having a first section, a second section, and a third section. The second section is intermediate the first section and the third section and the first and third sections are oriented at an angle of 90° with respect to one another. The coupling plate includes a contiguous opening extending there through having a first part and a second part. The first part has a first dimension and the second part has a second dimension that is larger than the first dimension.