Fastener Alignment Member for Hidden Connector Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power fastener driving tools struggle to accurately locate the opening in connectors, leading to under-driven fasteners and reduced connection strength, especially when using bulky tools that obstruct visibility.
Innovation Solution
A fastening and alignment member on the connector with sloping surfaces and a conical protrusion that guides the fastener into the opening, enhancing end fixity and reducing deformation by distributing pressure across a wider surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a power fastener driving tool is used to drive fasteners through connectors, then driving speed and consistency improve, but the bulky tool blocks the user's ability to see exactly where the fastener is being driven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an alignment member as an intermediary element between the power fastener driving tool and the connector. This alignment member features a visibility portion that extends beyond the connector surface, allowing the operator to see and locate the precise fastener entry point. The alignment member acts as a mediator that bridges the visibility limitation caused by the bulky tool while maintaining the high-speed driving capability of the power tool.
2Strength
If the power fastener driving tool is positioned for accurate fastener placement, then connection strength improves, but the tool's bulkiness obstructs the operator's view of the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent solves the visibility problem by extending the alignment member's visibility portion into a third dimension - protruding beyond the flat surface of the connector toward the operator. This dimensional extension creates a visual reference point that is accessible to the operator's line of sight without requiring the operator to position their head in the narrow space between the tool and connector surface.
3Strength
If the fastener is driven to full depth for end fixity, then connection strength improves, but the fastener may not reach the correct depth without proper guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment member performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the correct fastener entry position and orientation before the fastening operation begins. The alignment member's geometry is designed to guide the fastener into proper alignment with the connector opening, ensuring that when the power tool drives the fastener, it enters at the correct angle and position, which enables the fastener to reach the intended depth and achieve proper end fixity.
4Measurement precision
If alignment features are added to the connector to help locate openings, then fastener placement accuracy improves, but the connector design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding alignment features only at specific critical locations on the connector - specifically at the fastener entry points where precision is needed. The alignment members are localized elements rather than covering the entire connector surface, thus providing the necessary guidance functionality while minimizing the overall complexity increase of the connector design.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connection between a connector, a fastener and one or more structural members is disclosed. The connector can be formed with a fastening and alignment member. The fastening and alignment member includes a projecting member and a protruding member in close proximity to a predetermined location for the fastener.