Fastening Means With Rounded Locking Member Corners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for metallic extruded building elements often face issues with rotational impasse and security, as the corners of locking members can clash with the channel, preventing rotation and creating a loose fit, which can lead to instability in structures like decks and floors.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system comprising a beam with a channel and a locking member featuring reduced corners, allowing rotation and a tight fit, with optional features like rounded corners, flanges, and a T-shaped upstand, ensuring secure locking and stability by preventing the locking member from being pulled out, and optionally using multiple channels and locking extrusions for enhanced support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the locking member has standard corners, then it is easier to manufacture, but the corners clash with the channel preventing rotation and creating a loose fit
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member features reduced corners at specific locations where it interfaces with the channel, while the rest of the body maintains standard manufacturing characteristics. This localized modification enables rotation within the channel without requiring complete redesign of the entire component.
Solution Approach 2:
The corners of the locking member are rounded rather than sharp, allowing smooth rotation within the channel. The curved surfaces of the rounded corners interact with the channel walls to guide rotation while preventing binding that would occur with sharp corners.
2Ease of operation
If the locking member has reduced corners, then rotation is enabled and tight fit is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Only the corner regions of the locking member are modified with reduced dimensions and rounded profiles, while the main body remains simple and straightforward to manufacture. This localized approach minimizes the impact on overall manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the locking member fits loosely in the channel, then insertion is easier, but structural stability and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to transition from a loose fit during insertion to a tight locked position through rotation. The reduced corners enable the dynamic movement from insertion to locking, while the locking extensions provide the static secure position that prevents pull-out.
4Ease of operation
If the locking member can be pulled out of the channel, then removal is easier, but security and locking reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking extensions are pre-positioned on the locking member to engage with the channel walls before any pull-out force is applied. This preliminary engagement creates mechanical interference that prevents removal unless the locking member is first rotated to the unlocked position.
Data Source
AI summary
Fastening means, a preferred embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 2, hasajoist 1 and a locking member 5. The joist 1 has a channel and locking extensions and the locking member 5 has a base 6 and an upstand 7. The base 6 has rounded corners 10. The fastening means is formed such that when it is in use the locking member 5 can be slid into the channel and rotated therein to assume a locking position, such rotation made possible by the rounded corners 10 which, when in use, serve to prevent a rotational impasse between the joist 1 and the locking member 5. The fastening means is formed such that when the locking member is in the locking position it is in a tight fit within the channel and cannot pull out of the channel by reason of obstruction by the locking extensions.