Hollow Tube Structural Attachment System with T-Slot Connectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional structural attachment methods face challenges in mass production, cost-effectiveness, weight, ease of fabrication, and durability due to limitations with specific materials and susceptibility to deterioration from rust, water, mildew, insects, fire, and caustics, leading to shortened lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A structural attachment system comprising a hollow tube unit with T-slots and square slots, a T-unit connector, and locking plates that allows for quick and efficient assembly of structures, enabling secure engagement of paneling to create walls, roofs, and flooring, using materials like metal or plastic to ensure structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fasteners and attachments are used, then structural connections can be made, but the system suffers from limited material compatibility, increased weight, and reduced durability due to susceptibility to rust, water, mildew, insects, fire, and caustics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs aluminum extrusions as the primary structural material, which provides resistance to rust, water, mildew, and insects compared to conventional steel or wood fasteners. The hollow tube units and connectors are made from corrosion-resistant materials that maintain structural integrity in various environmental conditions, directly addressing the durability and deterioration susceptibility contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters from traditional wood, steel, or composite fasteners to aluminum alloy extrusions with specific structural properties. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both durability and resistance to harmful environmental factors while maintaining connection functionality.
2Productivity
If conventional attachment methods are used, then structural connections can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into modular hollow tube units that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each unit contains pre-formed T-slots and square slots, allowing for standardized connection points that simplify the assembly process and increase productivity without requiring complex field modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow tube units are designed with multiple slot types (T-slots and square slots) that can accommodate various connector configurations and panel attachment methods. This universal design allows the same basic tube unit to serve multiple structural functions, reducing the number of different component types needed and simplifying the overall system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fasteners are used, then material connections can be made, but the system lacks versatility in configuration and adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The T-slots and square slots are pre-formed into the hollow tube units during the extrusion manufacturing process, rather than requiring post-fabrication modification. This preliminary action enables versatile connector positioning and configuration changes while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized extrusion techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a structural attachment system for easily and quickly erecting a structure. The structural attachment system may include a hollow tube unit having at least one T-slot positioned between a pair of square slots configured to engage with a unit connector. The unit connector may include a T-unit sandwiched between a pair of composition units and a pair of locking plates. The T-unit may have a first unit T-tab configured to engage with the T-slot on the hollow tube unit, and the locking plates may engage with the square slots, resulting in the unit connector being slidably fastened to the hollow tube unit. Paneling may also be attached to the hollow tube unit to create walls, a roof, and flooring.