Elastic Strainer Post Connector for Adjustable Strut Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strainer systems for fencing face challenges in connecting metal struts to strainer posts, including high manufacturing costs, limited azimuthal angle adjustment, and exposure to weathering, which complicates installation and reduces durability.
Innovation Solution
A metal connector with an elastically deformable first portion that fits around the strainer post and a second portion that can be inserted into a strut cavity, allowing for easy engagement and protection from the elements, featuring a shape that can be easily rotated for desired strut angles without requiring precise post orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welded connectors are used to connect strut to strainer post, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and azimuthal angle adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate portions: a first portion that fits around the strainer post and a second portion that inserts into the strut cavity. These portions are connected through elastic deformation of the first portion, eliminating the need for welding while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The first portion is designed to be elastically deformable, allowing its cross-sectional shape to change from elliptical/oval (when not deformed) to circular (when deformed). This parameter change enables the connector to be assembled without welding by temporarily deforming the first portion during installation.
2Strength
If welded connectors with fixed hole positions are used, then connection strength is improved, but azimuthal angle adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first portion is designed with elastic deformability, making it a dynamic component that can change its cross-sectional shape from elliptical to circular. This dynamic property allows the connector to adapt to different azimuthal angles during installation by deforming the first portion to align with the desired strut angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional shape parameter of the first portion is changed from fixed elliptical/oval to deformable circular. This parameter change enables the connector to achieve any azimuthal angle by temporarily deforming the first portion during assembly, providing full rotational adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If multi-part bolted connectors are used, then ease of assembly is improved, but installation time increases and exposure to weathering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second portions are merged into a single integrally-formed connector component. This eliminates the need for separate assembly steps involving multiple parts and fasteners, reducing installation time while maintaining ease of assembly through the elastic deformation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformability of the first portion provides self-service during assembly: the connector deforms itself to enable insertion into the strut cavity and then automatically returns to its original shape to secure the connection, eliminating the need for external fastening operations.
4Ease of operation
If connectors with exposed components are used, then ease of assembly is improved, but durability against weathering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The second portion of the connector is nested inside the strut cavity, protecting it from direct exposure to weathering. The first portion fits around the strainer post, providing a similar protective enclosure. This nesting arrangement shields the connector components from environmental degradation while maintaining ease of assembly.
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 connector simplifies installation, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances durability by providing a secure, protected connection that can be easily adjusted to any desired angle, while minimizing material usage and exposure to weathering.
Implementation Method 1
the first portion being elastically deformable and arranged to fit around a strainer post wherein the first portion is substantially an elliptical or an oval arc in cross-section when not deformed
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for a metal connector for connecting a strut to a fencing strainer post. The connector includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion being elastically deformable and arranged to fit around a strainer post. The second portion arranged, when the first portion is deformed, to be inserted into a cavity in a strut and arranged to engage the strut by an at least partial reversal of the deformation.