Pre-Assembled Node Connectors for Screw-Fastened Support Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing supporting structures with hollow profiles connected via screw connections are inefficient, leading to high production costs and time due to the need for handling fasteners and welding on-site.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves pre-arranging nuts on a connecting element's bores, allowing for automated assembly by guiding screws through the rods and nuts, eliminating the need for on-site nut handling and welding, with the nuts being firmly connected to the base element, typically by laser-cutting and pressing, to form a robust and efficient connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If nuts are arranged on connecting elements in advance in a workshop, then productivity and automation are improved, but device complexity increases due to pre-assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-arranging nuts on connecting elements in a workshop before construction. The connecting elements are prepared in advance with nuts already positioned and secured on them, transferring the assembly work from the construction site to a workshop environment where automated processes can be used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assembly operations with automated workshop processes. Instead of manually handling and installing nuts on-site, the connecting elements are prepared using automated positioning and securing mechanisms in a controlled workshop environment, reducing manual labor and increasing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If welding is eliminated in favor of screw connections with pre-positioned nuts, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but productivity decreases due to additional assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing the time-consuming nut positioning operation in advance in a workshop setting. The connecting elements arrive at the construction site already prepared with nuts securely positioned, so that during assembly only simple insertion and tightening operations are needed, maintaining both precision and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-prepared connecting elements with positioned nuts essentially assemble themselves during construction - the nuts are already in place and only require the connecting elements to be inserted and secured, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly operations while maintaining high precision.
3Strength
If nuts are firmly connected to the base element by pressing, then strength and reliability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening methods (such as welding or multiple fasteners) with a pressing operation that secures nuts to the base element. This pressing process, while adding a step, uses simple hydraulic or mechanical pressing equipment rather than complex welding setups or multiple assembly operations, and provides reliable strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameter from thermal processes (welding) or complex mechanical fastening to a cold pressing operation. This parameter change allows for controlled application of force to securely attach nuts to the base element without the complexity of welding procedures or multiple fastening steps, achieving strong connections through controlled mechanical pressure.
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
This approach significantly reduces production time and costs by shifting the assembly process to a workshop, enabling a simple, precise, and cost-effective method for creating stable supporting structures with hollow profiles connected via screw connections.
Implementation Method 1
the base element is formed by laser cutting from a plate-shaped component
Implementation Method 2
The nuts are preferably formed by setting nuts which are pressed into the base element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting element (1) for a supporting structure (2) via which at least two members (3) of a supporting structure (2) can be detachably connected to the connecting element (1) by means of screw connections. To achieve particularly efficient manufacturing, the invention provides that the connecting element (1) has a base element (5) with bores (6), wherein nuts (7) are provided at the bores (6). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a supporting structure (2) which has at least three members (3) that are connected at a node via a connecting element (1) by means of screw connections.