Lock Washer Slot Structure for Lateral Bracket Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mounting systems for masonry support systems lack flexibility in lateral positional adjustment, particularly in bespoke installation situations and welded masonry support systems, where no adjustment is possible.
Innovation Solution
A lock washer design featuring a slotted hole wider than the shaft diameter, allowing lateral movement, combined with a protrusion and slot engagement mechanism for vertical adjustment, enabling horizontal adjustment of the bracket and lock washer relative to the fixing position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lock washer with a protrusion and slot engagement means is used, then vertical adjustment of the bracket is enabled, but lateral/horizontal manoeuvrability for installation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The lock washer design separates adjustment capabilities into different dimensions: the protrusion with engagement means provides vertical adjustment (one dimension), while the slotted hole wider than the shaft diameter provides lateral adjustment (another dimension). This multi-dimensional approach resolves the contradiction by enabling both vertical and lateral manoeuvrability without interference between the two adjustment functions.
2Strength
If brackets are welded to the masonry support shelf, then structural integrity is improved, but no post-installation adjustment is possible
Solution Approach 1:
The lock washer design transforms a static welded connection into a dynamic, adjustable connection. The slotted hole wider than the shaft diameter allows the bracket to be positioned laterally within the slot during installation, providing manoeuvrability. Once positioned, the engagement means secures the bracket, creating a firm connection that maintains structural integrity while preserving installation flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If a fixed lock washer design is used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but installation adaptability to bespoke situations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lock washer design changes the geometric parameter of the hole from a standard circular hole to a slotted hole with width greater than the shaft diameter. This parameter change allows the same precisely manufactured component to accommodate lateral positional variations during installation, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling adaptability to bespoke installation situations.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7
AI summary
A lock washer 1 is shown comprising a body 2; a protrusion 3 disposed on one face of the body 2, the protrusion 3 being configured to be disposed in a corresponding slot 4 of a bracket 5; an engagement portion 6 disposed on the protrusion 3, the engagement portion 6 being configured to engage with the slot 4 of the bracket 5 and hold the body 2 stationary with respect to the bracket 5; and a slotted hole 7 disposed in the body 2, the slotted hole 7 being configured to admit a shaft 8 of a bracket fixing apparatus 9 therethrough so as to allow lateral movement of the body 2 relative to the shaft 8 while the shaft 8 is admitted through the slotted hole 7.