Connection Assembly Intermediate Element Head Nesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection arrangements face challenges when the intermediate element must protrude minimally over a metal strip surface due to size constraints and precise positioning difficulties, especially when markings are obscured and distortion occurs during screwing.

Innovation Solution

A connection arrangement where the head of the connecting element can be fully submerged, with a varying cross-sectional shape for the engagement lug, allowing for specific orientation and featuring passages that open on the underside or outer peripheral surface to facilitate secure positioning and attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the intermediate element is allowed to protrude only slightly over the metal strip surface, then the aesthetic appearance and space utilization are improved, but the connection element head cannot be properly accommodated due to minimum size requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotrusion height of intermediate elementVSAvoidaccommodation of connection element head

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection element head is nested within a receiving opening formed in the first component, allowing the intermediate element to protrude minimally while still accommodating the full head of the connection element. The receiving opening acts as a cavity that houses the head, resolving the contradiction between limited protrusion space and head size requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of increasing protrusion height in the vertical dimension, the solution creates additional spatial capacity by forming a receiving opening (cavity) within the first component. This dimensional approach allows the head to be housed internally rather than requiring external protrusion space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If markings are applied to the first component for positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the markings become obscured and distortion occurs after assembling the metal strip and intermediate element

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of metal stripVSAvoidvisibility of markings

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Positioning markings are applied to the first component before assembly, allowing precise positioning to be established in advance. The markings serve their function during the positioning phase, and the subsequent assembly process maintains this positioning without requiring the markings to remain visible afterward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning function is separated from the final assembled state. Markings are used temporarily during the positioning phase, and the rigid connection created by the intermediate element preserves this positioning, effectively segmenting the positioning action from the final assembly state where markings are no longer needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Length of stationary object

If the head of the connecting element is arranged sunk into the engagement projection, then the protrusion height is reduced, but the head may not be fully accommodated in conventional designs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight of intermediate element protrusionVSAvoidsecure accommodation of head

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The head is nested within the receiving opening formed in the first component, ensuring full accommodation and secure positioning. This nesting approach guarantees that the entire head is housed within the designated space, providing reliable accommodation while minimizing protrusion height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2664724B8Connection assembly with an intermediate element

Publication Date: 2015.12.23 SIMPSON STRONG TIE

AI summary

Connection arrangement with a first component (2), in particular made of wood, with a mounting surface (2c), a metal strip (8) whose underside is designed to form a planar contact with the mounting surface (2c) and which is provided with a mounting opening (16), an intermediate element (4) which has a bearing surface (12) resting on the metal strip (8), an engagement projection (14) projecting from the bearing surface (12) and engaging into the mounting opening (16), and a passage (22) for a connecting element (6) which extends through the engagement projection (14) and whose axis (24) is inclined opposite the bearing surface (12), wherein the passage (22) has at an upper end a flat or conically recessed bearing surface (28) for a head (6b) of the connecting element (6),wherein a head (6b) of the connecting element (6) is at least partially recessed below the fastening surface (2c) in the intermediate element (4) in an end section (20) of the engagement projection (14), which extends into a receiving opening (18) formed in the first component (2).