Compression Pin Assembly for Clean Structural Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for assembling structural elements, such as wooden pre-fabricated elements, either fail to maintain structural elements joined with compression or require additional elements like screws and bolts that protrude, necessitating further work or covering to achieve a clean aesthetic finish.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a cylindrical peg with connecting elements that allow structural elements to be assembled with compression, eliminating the need for additional elements like bolts or metallic plates, and ensuring a clean, aesthetically appealing finish.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If screws and bolts are used to assemble structural elements, then the structural elements can be kept joined with compression, but the fastening elements project outside the structural elements requiring further work or covering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pin and the compression element into a single integrated device. The pin serves both as the insertion element and as the compression element, eliminating the need for separate screws or bolts. This merging resolves the contradiction by providing compression connection without requiring additional projecting fastening elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the insertion element for joining structural elements and the compression element for maintaining joint stability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fastening elements, resolving the contradiction between achieving compression connection and avoiding additional complex components.
2Device complexity
If pins are used to assemble structural elements, then the assembly is simple and no additional elements are needed, but the structural elements cannot be kept joined with compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pin and compression element into a single integrated device. The pin includes a compression element that can be actuated to apply compressive force, thereby providing both the simplicity of a pin-based system and the stability of compression connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin incorporates a dynamic compression element that can be actuated to transition from a relaxed state to a compressed state. This dynamic capability allows the simple pin structure to provide active compression force, resolving the contradiction between assembly simplicity and compression connection stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional elements like screws and bolts are used, then stable compression connection is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance of the structure is impaired due to projecting elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the compression function from separate projecting fastening elements and integrates it into the pin itself. The compression element is contained within or as part of the pin, which is inserted inside the structural elements, thereby achieving compression connection without any elements projecting outside to impair aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression element is nested within the pin structure or contained within the structural elements. This nesting allows the compression mechanism to be hidden inside the existing components, achieving stable compression connection while maintaining a clean aesthetic finish without projecting fastening elements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (10) for assembling structural elements is described, comprising a pin (11) adapted to be assembled inserted inside holes obtained in the structural elements, the pin (11) having a first end connected to a first assembling element (15a) and a second end connected to a second assembling element (15b), the first assembling element (15a) and the second assembling element (15b) being adapted to keep the structural elements mutually assembled with compression used to make structural frameworks.