Grid Fixture with Interlocking Connector for Wire Mesh Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for constructing welded wire meshes in concrete structures are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring skilled workers and involving heavy work, especially when aligning and binding wire materials, and the use of spacers can lead to shifts and adjustment issues.
Innovation Solution
A fixture comprising a pair of first frame members and second frame members with fixing portions and holding portions that allow for easy alignment and connection of vertical and lateral wire materials, preventing shifts and enabling quick assembly by inexperienced workers without heavy labor, using a grid-shaped structure with inclined surfaces and guiding portions for efficient positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welded wire meshes are superimposed and bound with binding materials, then the meshes are fixed in position, but the operation becomes time-consuming and requires skilled workers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connector as an intermediary component that replaces the traditional binding operation. The connector has a body portion that fits over the wire material and a hook portion that engages with the superimposed mesh, serving as a mediator that achieves secure positioning without time-consuming binding operations by skilled workers
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to be easily installed by simply fitting it over the wire material and allowing the hook portion to engage with the superimposed mesh. This self-service design eliminates the need for skilled workers to perform complex binding operations, enabling inexperienced workers to quickly secure the meshes in position
2Reliability
If welded wire meshes are superimposed and bound with binding materials, then the meshes are fixed in position, but the number of binding portions increases labor intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The connector serves as a pre-fabricated intermediary component that consolidates multiple binding functions into a single unit. Instead of performing numerous individual binding operations at each intersection, workers simply install connectors at key positions, dramatically reducing the number of operations required while maintaining position stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the binding function from the traditional wire-tying process and encapsulates it in a separate, pre-formed connector component. This extraction allows the binding function to be performed by a simple insertion and engagement action rather than multiple manual tying operations, simplifying the overall operation
3Manufacturing precision
If spacers are used to support welded wire meshes, then the meshes are held at prescribed distance, but shifts occur requiring repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a body portion that fits over the wire material and predetermined positioning features that guide proper placement. This preliminary design of the connector structure ensures that when installed, it automatically positions the superimposed mesh at the correct location, preventing shifts and eliminating the need for time-consuming repositioning operations
4Reliability
If multiple binding portions are performed in superimposed regions, then the welded wire meshes are securely fixed, but skilled workers are required increasing labor cost
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a self-service component that achieves secure fixation through its own structural features. The body portion fits over the wire material while the hook portion automatically engages with the superimposed mesh when properly positioned. This design eliminates the need for skilled workers to perform complex binding techniques, allowing inexperienced workers to achieve reliable fixation simply by installing the connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary that transfers the fixation function from skilled worker expertise to a standardized component. The connector's pre-designed geometry ensures proper engagement and secure fixation without requiring the worker to have binding skills, thereby reducing labor cost while maintaining fixation strength
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a fixture with which a plurality of grids can be definitely constructed in a short period of time even by an inexperienced worker without causing the worker to do heavy work. In substantially center positions in the lengthwise direction of bottom portions of first frame members, a pair of third frame members included in connecting means are provided. In the third frame member, a base portion is caused to stand on a bottom portion of the first frame member. One of arms of a U-shape of the base portion works as a holding portion included in the connecting means, and the end of the holding portion is bent inward of the base portion to form a connection bent portion having a function to engage with a circumferential surface of a vertical wire material or a lateral wire material of a second welded wire mesh, and a function to prevent the vertical wire material or the lateral wire material of the second welded wire mesh from coming off from the connecting means.