Floating Connection Jig for Precise Transverse Member Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods and apparatus for connecting structural members fail to address the need for precise alignment and installation of connecting elements between transverse structural members, particularly in timber-framed buildings, while allowing vertical movement and preventing horizontal movement.
Innovation Solution
A jig is used to position and guide a hole-forming element to create aligned holes in structural members, ensuring correct installation of connecting elements, allowing vertical movement and preventing horizontal movement, with locators and guides to maintain alignment and prevent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a connecting element is installed to rigidly connect transverse structural members, then horizontal stability is improved, but vertical movement freedom deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element incorporates a floating portion that can move vertically relative to the slot, transforming the connection from a static rigid joint to a dynamic floating connection. This allows the connection to adapt to vertical movements (such as roof truss camber dissipation) while maintaining horizontal stability through the slot-guided constraint.
2Ease of operation
If manual alignment methods are used for connecting elements, then installation simplicity is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning device is introduced as an intermediary tool between the installer and the connecting element. This device includes alignment features that guide the connecting element into correct positional and angular relationships with structural members, ensuring precise hole alignment and element placement without requiring complex manual measurement and adjustment procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for connection, then adaptability to different configurations is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element integrates multiple functions into a single component: the body portion provides structural connection, the floating portion enables vertical movement accommodation, and the slot provides horizontal positioning. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining adaptability to different structural configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A jig configured to be positioned relative to first and second members, which extend along mutually transverse first and second axes respectively and are spaced along a third axis which is transverse to the first and second axes, for locating a hole-forming element with respect to the members and guiding the thus located element along said third axis during driving of the hole-forming element into the first member whereby a hold thus formed in the first member extends along said third axis for application therethrough, axially guided by the jig so positioned and/or the hole, of a connecting element to interconnect the members, such that first and second portions of the connecting element thus applied are received at correct positions in the first and second members respectively, the jig comprising: locators arranged to be received against the first and second members and rotationally about the first and second axes; and a guide defining an axis that is fixed relative to the locators (“guide axis”), the guide being configured to support the hole-forming element such that it extends along the guide axis and being arranged such that the guide axis is coaxial with the third axis when the locators are so received, whereby said driving of the hole-forming element forms the hole along the third axis.