Modular Frame Connector Camming Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional structural framing methods require significant skill for assembly and adjustment, and modular construction faces challenges in standardizing lumber components, which can be costly and prone to price fluctuations, with a need for quick, easy, and adaptable frame connections.
Innovation Solution
A modular frame connector system featuring a beam or post with web and flanges, and fastening plates with camming and abutment surfaces that allow for easy assembly and adjustment, using metal or polymer materials to facilitate quick and secure connections to structural elements like wide-flange beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional nailing or bolting methods are used to secure structural frames, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the assembly requires considerable skill and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional segments: camming ends for insertion and leverage, finger surfaces for engagement with flanges, abutment surfaces for load transfer, and pierced ends for fastener reception. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick assembly without requiring skilled labor
Solution Approach 2:
The camming surfaces are inclined at predetermined angles to facilitate rotational insertion and locking motion. The dynamic camming action allows the connector to be quickly inserted and secured through a simple rotating motion, dramatically reducing assembly time and skill requirements compared to traditional nailing or bolting
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional nailed or bolted frames are assembled, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the frames cannot be easily adjusted after assembly to accommodate shifting foundations or misalignments
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design allows for dynamic adjustment after assembly. The camming mechanism can be released and re-positioned, and the pierced ends allow for fastener removal and re-installation at different positions, enabling the frame to accommodate foundation shifts and misalignments while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with predetermined camming angles and surface orientations that pre-establish the correct alignment and load path. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the connector is installed, it automatically positions components correctly and maintains proper structural alignment, while still allowing future adjustments
3Ease of manufacture
If modular construction uses standardized lumber components, then the production costs may be reduced, but lumber prices fluctuate and standardization is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from organic lumber materials to manufactured metal or polymer materials. This parameter change in material type eliminates price fluctuations associated with lumber markets, enables precise standardization of connector dimensions and properties, and allows for consistent quality control while maintaining cost-effectiveness through manufacturing efficiency
4Productivity
If traditional framing methods are used, then the structural connections are strong, but the assembly requires considerable skill and cannot be quickly made
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional zones: camming ends for insertion, finger surfaces for engagement, abutment surfaces for loading, and pierced ends for fastening. This segmentation simplifies the assembly process by assigning specific simple actions to each zone, enabling rapid assembly despite the sophisticated overall design
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined camming surfaces create a dynamic insertion mechanism that guides components into proper alignment automatically during assembly. The predetermined angles provide self-aligning characteristics that reduce the skill level required, while the dynamic locking action ensures strong connections are achieved quickly through simple rotational motion
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
Enables rapid, skill-independent assembly and adjustment of structural frames, reduces costs by using standardized components, and accommodates future additions and replacements, while providing reliable strength properties.
Implementation Method 1
a front camming surface disposed at a first predetermined angle to the front abutment surface and the front complementary surface, a rear camming surface disposed at a second predetermined angle to the rear abutment surface and the rear complementary surface, wherein the front camming surface is disposed abutably against the rear camming surface
Implementation Method 2
a front abutment surface substantially orthogonal to the front fastening plate and disposed abutably to the web, a rear abutment surface substantially orthogonal to the rear fastening plate and disposed abutably to the web
Implementation Method 3
a front finger surface disposed insertably between the front lip and the web and abutably to the front flange, a rear finger surface disposed insertably between the rear lip and the web and abutably to the rear flange
Data Source
AI summary
A modular frame connection is formed by abutting a front camming surface of a front camming end of a front fastening plate against a rear camming surface of a rear camming end of a rear fastening plate while a front pierced end of the front fastening plate and rear pierced end of the rear fastening plate are separated, inserting the front and rear camming ends between a front and rear flanges of a post or beam, rotating the front pierced end toward the rear pierced end until a front finger surface of the front camming end is disposed insertably between a front lip of the front flange and a web of the post or beam and abutably to the front flange and a front abutment surface substantially orthogonal to the front fastening plate is disposed abutably to the web, rotating the rear pierced end toward the front pierced end until a rear finger surface of the rear camming end is disposed insertably between a rear lip of the rear flange and the web of the post or beam and abutably to the rear flange and a rear abutment surface substantially orthogonal to the rear fastening plate is disposed abutably to the web.