Internal Connector Assembly for Hidden Fastening in Extruded Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening systems are not designed to work effectively with alternative building materials like extruded structural members, making it difficult to securely connect components in outdoor structures such as pergolas and gazebos.
Innovation Solution
An internal connector system featuring a locking screw with a screw thread, a connector block, and a lock plate that expands when tightened, securely engaging with the walls of an extruded structural member's channel, allowing for the use of fasteners to connect structural members without visible fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional fasteners are used to connect extruded structural members, then the structural members can be joined, but the fasteners are visible and compromise the aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The connector block is received within a channel of the extruded structural member, nesting the fastening mechanism inside the structural member itself. This hides the fastening components from external view while maintaining connection functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between visible fasteners and aesthetic appearance.
2Reliability
If the lock plate is made expandable to secure within the channel, then the connector system is securely fixed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock plate is designed to be dynamically expandable rather than statically fixed. When the locking screw is tightened, the lock plate expands outward to impinge on the channel walls, creating a secure friction fit. This dynamic expansion mechanism provides reliable securing while using a relatively simple expandable plate design rather than complex locking mechanisms.
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
The connector system provides a secure and hidden fastening solution for extruded structural members, ensuring stability and aesthetics in outdoor structures by expanding the lock plate to impinge on the channel walls, effectively securing the connector system within the member.
Implementation Method 1
Tightening the locking screw causes the connector block to expand the lock plate. Upon being received in the channel, the locking screw is tightened to expand the lock plate such that the lock plate impinges on walls of the channel.
Data Source
AI summary
An internal connector system of structural member includes a locking screw with a screw thread. A connector block includes a first bore hole sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the locking screw, and the connector block is configured to engage with a bolt thread of a bolt. A lock plate has a plate thread that is configured to engage the screw thread of the locking screw. Tightening the locking screw causes the connector block to expand the lock plate.