Interlocking Wedge Shim Assembly for Sideways Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shim systems for blocking up building elements face challenges in alignment and stability due to sideways movement, making it difficult to maintain the stability of the blocked-up elements.
Innovation Solution
A shim system comprising wedge-shaped shims with elongated connecting elements and openings, allowing for easy connection and alignment of shims while preventing transverse displacement, thus ensuring stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If two wedge-shaped shims are used to block up building elements, then the shims provide good friction resistance in the longitudinal direction, but the shims tend to slip or move sideways relative to each other, causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple shims into a unified system where shims are connected through interlocking features (such as protrusions and recesses) to form a stable assembly. This merging approach maintains the friction resistance of individual shims while adding lateral stability through the connection mechanism, resolving the contradiction between friction performance and sideways stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If two wedge-shaped shims are stacked to block up building elements, then the shims are simple to manufacture and use, but the shims are difficult to align and position correctly relative to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-aligning features in the shim design, such as guide surfaces, protrusions, and recesses that automatically position shims correctly relative to each other during installation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual alignment procedures while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as the alignment features are integrated into the basic shim geometry.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a shim system with flanges and ridges is used to prevent sideways movement, then the shims are stable and aligned, but the construction becomes complicated and not suitable for individual use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs shims with multi-functional features that serve both individual and system roles. The same geometric features (such as interlocking protrusions and recesses) that provide stability when multiple shims are connected also function as complete shim elements when used individually. This universality allows the shims to maintain simplicity while achieving stability in both single and multiple configurations, avoiding the need for separate individual and system-specific designs.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a shim, a shim system and a method for blocking up building elements. The shim comprises an elongated connecting element at a first surface. The elongated connecting element has a first connecting end connected to a main part of the shim, at a first end, and further comprises a second free end, arranged towards a second end of the main part. The shim further comprises an opening at a first surface, such that a second substantially identical shim can be connected to the shim with the first surfaces towards each other, by the free ends of each elongated connecting element extending into the opening of the other shim.