Spring-Loaded Hold-Down Fastener for Off-Vertical Tie-Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hold down systems in light frame construction face issues such as non-perpendicular tie-rod installation, forgotten device activation, and the need for tools to reset preloaded springs, leading to compromised system integrity and increased correction costs.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly with a movable cylindrical member and spring mechanism that allows for manual assembly and activation without tools, featuring a removable member to prevent initial movement and a spring-loaded system that maintains tension even when the tie-rod is off-vertical, along with color-coded components for proper installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tie-rod is installed non-perpendicular to the bearing surface, then installation flexibility is improved, but bearing contact alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing surface is designed with a curved (concave or convex) geometry instead of a flat surface. This curved surface allows the tie-rod to be installed at non-perpendicular angles while still maintaining proper bearing contact alignment between the hold down device and the bearing surface, thus resolving the contradiction between installation flexibility and alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing surface geometry is changed from flat to curved (changing the shape parameter), which enables the system to accommodate angular variations in tie-rod installation while preserving proper bearing contact. This parameter change allows both installation flexibility and alignment precision to be achieved simultaneously
2Ease of manufacture
If the spring is preloaded from the factory, then device readiness is improved, but installer tool requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is extracted from the hold down device and installed separately by the installer. This allows the spring to be easily installed without requiring special tools, while the hold down device itself can be manufactured and prepared in advance. The spring installation is separated as a simple manual operation that does not require tool availability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is designed to be easily installable as a preliminary action by the installer without requiring tools. The spring can be manually compressed and installed into the hold down device, allowing the device to be prepared and readied in advance while maintaining ease of operation during installation
3Reliability
If the hold down device is activated after installation, then proper function is improved, but installer memory reliability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The hold down device incorporates color-coded components or visual indicators that change color or become visible when the device is properly activated. This visual feedback mechanism ensures the installer can easily confirm activation has occurred, preventing the device from being installed in an inactive state and eliminating reliance on installer memory
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides immediate visual feedback to the installer when activation occurs. The feedback mechanism (such as color change or visual indicator) confirms proper device function, ensuring the installer knows the device is activated and functioning correctly, thus preventing installation errors
4Stability of the object's composition
If the spring is compressed and locked, then device stability is improved, but field reassembly difficulty worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The hold down device is segmented into separate components that can be easily assembled and disassembled in the field. The spring, hold down device body, and mounting components are separate segments that can be manually assembled without tools, allowing the spring to be compressed and locked into place through simple manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements that allow easy manual assembly and disassembly. The spring compression and locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable by hand, enabling field reassembly without requiring tools while maintaining stable spring compression once assembled
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
Ensures proper alignment and activation of the hold down system, eliminating the need for tools and reducing installation errors, while maintaining tension and load distribution effectively across the system.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is operably attached to the first and second cylindrical members to urge the one of the first and second cylindrical members in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener assembly comprises a first cylindrical member disposed within a second cylindrical member. One of the first and second cylindrical members is movable relative to the other in a first direction. The other one of the first and second cylindrical members is locked relative to the one in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A spring is operably attached to the first and second cylindrical members to urge one of the first and second cylindrical members in the first direction. A removable member is operably associated with the first and second cylindrical members to prevent one of the first and second cylindrical members from moving in the first direction prior to removing the removable member. The removable member is configured to be pulled out to allow one of the first and second cylindrical members to move in the first direction.