Extendable Wooden Connector with Rotating Sector Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for wooden structural elements fail to compensate for geometric tolerances and ensure stable, secure connections that can absorb forces, particularly in scenarios where alignment and orientation tolerances are present.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a circular sector head and length-adjustable connecting element, allowing for lateral displacement and rotation, which compensates for geometric tolerances and adjusts tensile forces between elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid connecting device with fixed geometry is used, then the connection provides stable force absorption, but it cannot compensate for geometric tolerances and alignment variations between structural elements
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device incorporates a circular sector head that can rotate and pivot within the recess of the wooden structural element, transforming a rigid static connection into a dynamic adjustable one. This rotational freedom allows the connector to adapt to orientation tolerances while maintaining secure fastening through the bolt and side wall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The circular sector geometry with variable radius and the length-adjustable connecting element allow for parameter changes in position and orientation. The connector can be positioned at different radial distances from the center and at various angular orientations, enabling compensation for geometric tolerances in both lateral and height directions
2Adaptability or versatility
If a connecting device with rotation capability is provided, then orientation tolerances can be compensated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circular sector head with its curved geometry provides rotation capability without complex mechanical joints. The sector shape naturally guides rotational movement within the recess while maintaining structural integrity, simplifying the overall device design compared to traditional hinge or bearing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The circular sector head features an asymmetric geometry with a specific opening angle (alpha) that is optimized for the application. This asymmetric design allows rotation in one direction while maintaining stable engagement with the recess, reducing the need for complex bidirectional adjustment mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If the circular sector opening angle is greater than 180°, then the connector can extend into the space between elements for force adjustment, but it may protrude from the interior and cause fitting problems
Solution Approach 1:
The circular sector opening angle is optimized locally for each application scenario. For applications requiring force adjustment, an angle greater than 180° is used, while for applications where protrusion must be avoided, an angle less than 180° is selected. This localized optimization allows the same connector design to serve multiple functions
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting device for connecting at least two structural elements, of which at least one is a wooden structural element. The connecting device comprises a head which has a surface with a circular sector cross section, and the surface has a series of openings as seats for fastening means which are fastenable in the wooden structural element, and wherein the connecting device comprises an element which is fastenable to a second structural element and comprises a connecting element, which is adjustable in length, and a bolt, and wherein the head is connected laterally displaceably and rotably with the fastenable element to a second structural element, and wherein the head has a seat for the bolt, and wherein the head is connected with the fastenable element to the second structural element via the length-adjustable connecting element.