Two-Component Connector With Blind-Bore Tensioning Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for components like wood, stone, or metal are complex and difficult to assemble, often resulting in asymmetrical tension distribution and shearing stress due to multipart structures and the need for full bore traversal for bolt accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a retaining bolt featuring a threaded portion for screwing into a first bore and an unthreaded portion with a cylindrical transverse bore, using a cylindrical tensioning bolt with a conical end to align and tension bearing surfaces without requiring a second bore through the first component, allowing for secure and permanent connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector uses expansion bolts with conical pieces and half shells to tension bearing surfaces, then the bearing surfaces are tensioned against one another, but the structure becomes complex and multipart requiring difficult assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate functional elements: a retaining bolt that provides structural connection and a tensioning bolt that provides clamping force. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly process compared to the integrated expansion bolt design.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning function is extracted from the retaining function. The retaining bolt solely provides structural support and positioning, while the tensioning bolt separately provides the clamping force. This separation eliminates the complexity of combining multiple functions in a single component.
2Ease of operation
If second bores traverse both components fully to make expansion bolts accessible, then bolts can be aligned and forced on at both ends, but the components are weakened by full bore traversal
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the first bore traverse the first component fully for accessibility, the solution inverts the approach: the retaining bolt is accessible from the first component side, and the tensioning bolt is accessible from the second component side through a blind second bore. This inversion maintains accessibility while preserving component strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessibility problem is solved by using different dimensions for each bolt type. The retaining bolt uses a longitudinal approach (accessible from first component), while the tensioning bolt uses a transverse approach (accessible from second component through blind bore), eliminating the need for full traversal through both components.
3Force
If a retaining bolt is screwed behind a first component with a conical tensioning screw engaging a conical transverse bore, then components are drawn against one another, but asymmetrical tension distribution and shearing stress occur
Solution Approach 1:
The design intentionally uses asymmetry in the form of conical surfaces for the tensioning bolt, but positions this asymmetry only on the tensioning side. The retaining bolt maintains a symmetrical cylindrical form, creating balanced stress distribution for structural support, while the conical tensioning bolt provides directional clamping force without creating asymmetrical stress in the retaining structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different geometric qualities are applied locally to different components: the retaining bolt has a uniform cylindrical geometry for balanced structural support, while the tensioning bolt has a conical geometry localized only where needed to generate clamping force. This local differentiation optimizes both functions while minimizing adverse stress effects.
4Reliability
If a connector uses multiple parts and full bore traversal for assembly, then connection is achieved, but assembly becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is segmented into two independent, simple steps: first inserting the retaining bolt through the first component, then inserting the tensioning bolt through the second component. This segmentation eliminates complex multi-step assembly procedures and reduces total assembly time while maintaining connection permanence.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining bolt is positioned and secured in the first component before the tensioning operation. This preliminary action establishes a stable structural base that simplifies the subsequent tensioning step, allowing the tensioning bolt to be inserted and tightened without complex coordination or adjustment.
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 simplifies the assembly process, eliminates the need for a second bore in the first component, ensuring a secure and permanent connection without loosening, and allows for easy insertion and removal of the tensioning bolt without full bore traversal, reducing material weakening.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical tensioning bolt with a conical end, which, when the retaining bolt assumes its postion screwed in or behind the first bore and inserted into the opening, can be inserted into the second bore and into the transverse bore, in order to align them with one another
Implementation Method 2
tension the bearing surfaces against one another
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter relates to a connector for two components of which the first component has a first bore extending from a bearing surface and the second component has an opening extending from a bearing surface and has a second bore traversing the opening. The connector comprises a retaining bolt with a threaded portion for screwing into or behind the first bore and an unthreaded portion for inserting into the opening. The unthreaded portion is traversed by a transverse bore, and a tensioning bolt with a conical end, which, when the retaining bolt is screwed into or behind the first bore and inserted into the opening, can be inserted into the second bore and into the transverse bore, to align them relative to one another and thus tension the bearing surfaces against one another.