Connecting Body for Timber Construction with Reduced Assembly Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector systems for building components, particularly in timber construction, are cumbersome, time-consuming, and require precise alignment, leading to inefficiencies in assembly and potential air gaps between connected surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A connecting body with a contact surface and fastening device that allows for easy and quick connection by distributing force effectively, reducing leverage and bending moments, and accommodating various connection geometries without the need for multiple fittings or precise alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If connectors with undercuts that can be plugged into one another are used, then connection strength is improved, but assembly ease deteriorates due to precise guidance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into two separate fittings: a first fitting mounted on the first component and a second fitting mounted on the second component. Each fitting has its own mounting surface and screw connection elements, allowing independent installation without requiring precise mutual guidance during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first fitting is pre-mounted on the first component and the second fitting is pre-mounted on the second component before the actual connection. This preliminary mounting allows each component to be prepared independently, eliminating the need for precise real-time alignment during the connection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If two fittings with undercuts are used for form-fitting connection, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines the functions of two separate fittings into a single integrated connecting body that has a first mounting surface for the first component and a second mounting surface for the second component. This single piece performs the work of what would traditionally require two separate fittings, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting body is designed as a multi-functional element that can be mounted on either the first component or the second component and provides both mounting surfaces in one piece. This universal design allows the same component to serve multiple functions that would otherwise require separate specialized fittings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If form-fitting connectors are used, then connection stability is improved, but air gaps between components are created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidair gap
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting body acts as an intermediary element between the two components, with its mounting surfaces designed to enable direct contact between the components. By positioning the connecting body appropriately, the invention allows the first and second components to touch each other directly, eliminating air gaps while still providing stable connection through the screw fastenings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2799636B1Connection body
Publication Date: 2017.10.11 VINZENZ HARRER
  • EP2799636B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2799636B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2799636B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

In a connecting body (1) for establishing a connection between a first building element (2) and a second building element (3), wherein the connecting body (1) has a contact surface (4) for resting on the first building element (2), wherein a first side surface (6) spanning a first plane adjoins a first edge (5) of the contact surface (4), wherein a fastening device (7) for connecting the connecting body (1) to the first building element (2) is provided, wherein at least one connecting screw guide (8) having a connecting screw guide center axis and a first diameter for receiving a connecting screw (9) is provided, it is proposed that a distance of a point of intersection of the connecting screw guide center axis with the first plane from the first edge (5) is less than five times the first diameter.