Construction Connector Fastener Receiver for Higher Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastener connections between construction connectors and wooden support members often lack sufficient load-carrying capacity due to limited bearing surfaces, leading to inefficiencies in load transfer and increased material usage.
Innovation Solution
A construction connector with a fastener receiver featuring a raised element and a driving element, where the driving element is configured to be driven into the support member, providing a larger bearing surface and enhancing load transfer by displacing material as the fastener is inserted, thereby increasing the connection's load-carrying capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional fasteners with larger diameter shoulders or shafts are used, then bearing surface area is increased, but fastener size and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system is segmented into two functional parts: a standard-sized fastener and a separate driving element with bearing surface attached to the construction connector. This segmentation allows the bearing surface to be provided without increasing fastener size, as the driving element serves as the bearing surface carrier rather than the fastener itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing surface is moved from the fastener (one-dimensional connection element) to the construction connector via the driving element. This dimensional shift places the bearing surface in a different spatial location, allowing it to engage the support member directly while the fastener remains a separate, smaller component.
2Strength
If conventional fastener connections are used, then installation is simple, but load-carrying capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The driving element is merged with the construction connector to form an integrated assembly. This merging combines the fastening function (fastener) with the bearing surface function (driving element) into a unified system, enhancing load-carrying capacity while maintaining relative structural simplicity through integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving element is pre-attached to the construction connector before installation, with the fastener opening positioned to receive the fastener. This preliminary configuration ensures proper alignment and positioning of the bearing surface relative to the fastener path, enabling the load-carrying enhancement to function automatically during installation without requiring additional adjustment or complex mechanisms.
3Strength
If more fasteners are used to increase load-carrying capacity, then connection strength is improved, but installation time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple fasteners to achieve sufficient load-carrying capacity, the invention employs a single fastener combined with the driving element that provides enhanced bearing surface area. This partial action approach achieves the required strength enhancement through the driving element's material displacement capability rather than through excessive fastener quantity, thereby maintaining installation efficiency.
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 enhanced fastener receiver design significantly increases the load-carrying capacity of connections by up to 25% compared to conventional methods, allowing for fewer fasteners to be used while maintaining the same load-bearing capability or supporting heavier loads with the same number of fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
The driving element is configured to be driven into and displace material of the support member as the fastener is driven into the support member
Data Source
AI summary
A construction connector that connects to a support member with a fastener has a connection element that engages the support member and a fastener receiver connected to the connection element. The fastener receiver includes a raised element and a driving element. The raised element has a proximal end portion connected to the connection element and a distal end portion disposed distally of the proximal end portion. The driving element is coupled to the distal end portion of the raised element and projects generally proximally from the distal end portion of the raised element. The driving element includes a cylindrical wall defining a fastener opening sized and shaped to receive the fastener. The driving element is constructed to be driven into the support member as the fastener is driven into the support member.