Moment Connection Collar Fixture for Precise Beam Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manufacturing processes for full moment collar beam mounts face challenges in achieving precise positioning and welding of collar components due to tolerances and imprecisions in beam and column connections, leading to undesirable deviations from specifications.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a support assembly and a weld fixture with adjustable gripping stations and rotating clamps that allow precise alignment and secure positioning of collar components relative to each other and the elongate member, enabling precise welding and compensating for column variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional welding techniques are used for beam and column connections, then construction flexibility is maintained, but manufacturing precision and tolerance control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precision of collar componentsVSAvoidcomplexity of manufacturing apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A fixture system serves as an intermediary device between the collar components and the welding process. The fixture includes reference surfaces that precisely locate collar components during assembly, ensuring accurate positioning without requiring complex automated welding equipment. The fixture acts as a mechanical mediator that enforces geometric constraints and tolerances during the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional field welding mechanics with a controlled shop-based fixture system. Instead of relying on on-site welding procedures that are difficult to control for precision, the invention uses a mechanical fixture system with reference surfaces and locating features that physically constrain collar components to precise positions before welding occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of equipment are used for different sizes of collar components, then sizing accuracy is improved, but manufacturing efficiency and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of various collar component sizesVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture system is designed with universal features that allow it to accommodate multiple sizes of collar components and elongate members. Reference surfaces and locating features can be adjusted or reconfigured to work with different dimensional specifications, enabling a single fixture to serve multiple functions and size ranges without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each component size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixture incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow it to adapt dynamically to different collar component sizes. Rather than being a fixed rigid structure for one size only, the fixture can be modified through adjustable positioning features, removable components, or reconfigurable reference surfaces to maintain precision across various dimensional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If collar components are positioned without precise fixtures, then ease of assembly is improved, but cumulative tolerances and spatial orientation accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial orientation accuracy of beam connectionsVSAvoidease of collar component assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture system performs preliminary positioning and alignment of collar components before the actual welding operation. Reference surfaces and locating features pre-establish the correct spatial relationships and orientations, so that when components are assembled into the fixture, they are automatically positioned with the required precision. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fixture design incorporates self-aligning features and self-locating mechanisms that automatically guide collar components into their correct positions. As components are placed in the fixture, the reference surfaces and locating features work together to self-correct minor positioning errors and automatically establish the proper spatial orientation without requiring extensive manual adjustment or measurement by operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11717921B2Method and apparatus for precision manufacturing of moment connection assemblies

Publication Date: 2023.08.08 CONXTECH INC

AI summary

An apparatus for connecting collar components to an elongate member is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame structure having a central opening that is configured to receive an elongate member and that includes at least a first gripping station and a second gripping station. Each gripping station includes a reference surface and a clamp device that is configured to force a collar component against the reference surface. The first and second gripping stations are configured to control relative spatial location of a first collar component held by the first gripping station relative to a second collar component gripped by the second gripping station, prior to connecting the first and second collar components to the elongate member.