Flexible Washer Node for Modular Spatial Structure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular spatial structure systems face challenges in easy disassembly and correction of structural errors without disassembling the entire structure, due to insufficient resilience of washers and entrapment issues during assembly, requiring skilled labor and complex tools.
Innovation Solution
A modular spatial structure with flexible washers and perforated screws that allow easy assembly and disassembly, featuring a thin strip with toothed inner diameter for resilience and a step retaining element to prevent entrapment, enabling reversible locking and rotation of bars without affecting adjacent elements, using a small tightening tool for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a washer is used to retain the bar in the socket, then the bar is locked inside the perforated screw preventing disassembly, but the washer may not sufficiently regain its initial state when the retaining screw is removed, losing resilience and encumbering disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The washer is segmented into multiple radial elements (fins or teeth) that can independently deform and return to their initial state. This segmentation allows each element to flex during compression and rebound effectively, maintaining resilience while providing reliable locking when compressed.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer's physical state changes from a relaxed open configuration to a compressed closed configuration during assembly. The radial elements are compressed radially inward, changing their shape and position to lock the bar, and return to their original state when the screw is removed, enabling disassembly.
2Reliability
If the washer is compressed to lock the bar, then the bar is securely retained, but the washer is trapped inside the groove at the end of the bar, preventing disassembly or causing the bar to be dragged out
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trapping the washer in a groove to retain it, the design inverts the approach by allowing the washer to be free within the socket. The washer's compressed state provides retention, but its ability to move freely in the relaxed state enables easy disassembly without being trapped.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer is extracted from the groove constraint and placed freely within the socket space. This removal of the groove constraint allows the washer to move freely during disassembly, preventing the bar from being dragged out while maintaining secure retention during assembly.
3Ease of operation
If the inner surface of the perforated screw is smooth to allow bar insertion, then the bar can be inserted easily, but the bar may rotate freely causing torsion stress
Solution Approach 1:
The washer acts as an intermediary element between the smooth inner surface of the screw and the bar. While the screw surface remains smooth for easy insertion, the washer (when compressed) provides the necessary friction and mechanical interference to prevent bar rotation and resist torsion stress.
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
Facilitates quick and reversible assembly and disassembly with reduced elements, allowing for correction of errors and replacement of defective parts without affecting adjacent components, while supporting mechanical loads and relieving torsion stress.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of flexible washer suitable for insertion into the socket of the node and being closed by means of compression as a result of the thrust of the perforated screw (5) in order to adopt the shape of a substantially closed washer
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A spatial structure that enables the assembly and disassembly of architectural elements quickly and easily, ensuring the necessary structural robustness and which basically comprises a node (1) with a plurality of sockets (2), a bar (3) intended for insertion at either of the two ends thereof in said sockets (2), a perforated screw (5) whose inner surface (6) allows the insertion of the end of the bar (3) and whose outer surface is coupled to the sockets (2), and a portion of flexible washer (8) suitable for insertion into the socket (2) of the node (1) and closing by compression as a result of the thrust exerted by the perforated screw (5) to adopt the shape of a substantially closed washer such that said bar (3) is locked inside the perforated screw (5), preventing the disassembly of the structure but not the rotation of the bar (3) inside the socket (2).