Cutting Washer Compression Structure for Hidden Wood Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fastening technologies, such as flat head screws, often require pre-drilling and countersinking, leading to splitting and unsightly installations, especially in wet wood, and struggle to provide a strong, visually appealing joint with minimal hardware visibility.
Innovation Solution
A cut and compression device comprising a washer with a circular profile and a cutting edge around its perimeter, and a compression surface downstream, which is designed to be driven below the wood surface, eliminating the need for pre-drilling and countersinking, and providing increased surface tension and holding strength while minimizing visible hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a flat head screw is driven below the surface without pre-drilling and countersinking, then installation time is reduced, but the wood surface splits and the joint strength is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The washer is designed with a cutting edge that performs preliminary cutting action on the wood surface before the screw head is fully driven in. This pre-cutting creates a clean opening that prevents splitting during installation, eliminating the need for separate pre-drilling and countersinking steps while maintaining joint strength
2Shape
If a flat head screw is driven below the surface, then hardware visibility is minimized, but the wood surface splits around the head
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting edge on the washer performs preliminary cutting action to create a clean opening in the wood surface before the screw head is driven below the surface. This pre-cutting prevents the wood from splitting around the head, allowing the hardware to be minimized while maintaining a clean appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The washer acts as an intermediary element between the screw head and the wood surface. It provides a cutting edge that prepares the wood opening and a compression surface that prevents splitting, mediating between the need for hidden hardware and the need to prevent wood damage
3Strength
If the screw head applies increased force to pull wood into position, then joint tightness is improved, but the head pulls through the wood surface
Solution Approach 1:
The washer serves as an intermediary that distributes the compression force from the screw head over a larger area of the wood surface. This prevents the head from pulling through the wood while maintaining joint tightness, allowing the hardware to remain hidden below the surface
4Ease of operation
If a spinning motion is used to drive the screw, then installation is simplified, but the wood is not cleanly cut away to make room for the head
Solution Approach 1:
The washer is designed with a localized cutting edge at its perimeter that concentrates the cutting action at the specific location where the wood needs to be removed. This local quality approach provides precise wood removal where needed while maintaining the simplicity of a single spinning installation motion
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 device allows for a strong, clean joint with minimal hardware visibility, reducing splitting and shredding, and maintaining joint integrity even in wet wood, by redirecting force inward and compressing material effectively, thus addressing the limitations of existing screw designs.
Implementation Method 1
a washer having at least one cutting edge... wherein said cutting edge of said washer is located around or in juxtaposition to said perimeter of said washer
Implementation Method 2
at least one compression surface wherein... said compression surface is located downstream of said cutting edge... compressing material effectively
Data Source
AI summary
A cut and compression device is provided comprising at least one washer having at least one cutting edge and at least one compression surface wherein said washer has (a) a circular profile having a perimeter and wherein said washer has a center that is a void or a hole, and (b) wherein said cutting edge of said washer is located around or in juxtaposition to said perimeter of said washer, and wherein said compression surface is located downstream of said cutting edge.