Oblique Hole Connecting Device for Wooden Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connecting devices for wooden structures are inadequate in absorbing shearing loads and transmitting vibrations, as they are primarily designed with perpendicular bolts that are not effective in distributing cyclic loads such as those from earthquakes, and lack efficient vibration damping.

Innovation Solution

A connecting device with obliquely positioned holes in the support plate and damping elements between the legs, allowing for angled screw insertion and decoupling of vibrations, enabling better absorption of shearing loads and reduced vibration transmission between components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If perpendicular bolts are used in conventional connecting devices, then the device is simple to manufacture and install, but it is ineffective in absorbing shearing loads and transmitting vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption of shearing loadsVSAvoidconfiguration of holes and connecting elements
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from perpendicular (one-dimensional) bolt configuration to oblique (multi-dimensional) hole arrangement in the support plate. The holes are inclined relative to the first leg and parallel to the second leg, allowing connecting elements to be driven at angles that better resist shearing loads between components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The support plate features asymmetric hole positioning where at least two holes are inclined relative to the first leg and parallel to the second leg. This asymmetric configuration creates mirror-image pairs that optimally distribute shear forces and enhance the device's ability to absorb shearing loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional connecting devices are used, then the structure is simple, but it lacks effective vibration damping and sound insulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidnumber of damping elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces damping elements as intermediary components positioned between the support plate and the first leg, and between the first leg and the first component. These intermediaries absorb and dampen vibrations, preventing their transmission between connected components while maintaining the structural connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The damping elements are pre-positioned between the support plate/first leg and the first component before final assembly. This beforehand cushioning ensures that vibrations are dampened from the outset, protecting the connected components from harmful vibrational forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If oblique connecting elements are used to absorb shear stress, then the connecting device becomes more resistant to cyclic loads, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to cyclic loadsVSAvoidhole inclination and alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate with its specifically configured oblique holes serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides the connecting elements at the correct oblique angles, and facilitates the integration of damping elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate precision components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The oblique holes in the support plate are designed to self-align the connecting elements at the correct angles during assembly. The hole geometry itself provides the guidance and positioning functions, reducing the need for additional precision adjustment mechanisms or complex installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 connecting device effectively absorbs shearing loads and reduces vibration transmission, enhancing the structural integrity and acoustic performance of wooden constructions by distributing forces and decoupling vibrations, making the structure more resistant to cyclic loads like earthquakes.

Implementation Method 1

a first damping element (26) made of a damping material is arranged between the support plate (15) and the first leg (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

these connecting elements are subjected to a higher degree of compressive or tensile stress under shear stress acting between the first leg and the first component than connecting elements running perpendicularly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStress distribution:

Data Source

PatentEP3486388B1Connecting device for connecting two components and component assembly with such a connecting device
Publication Date: 2020.01.22 PITZL METALLBAU GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3486388B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3486388B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3486388B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a connecting device (1) for connecting two components (2, 3), comprising a first leg (4) having several holes (11) penetrating it completely through which at least one connecting element (21) can be driven into the first component (2), and a second leg (5) connected at an angle (6) to the first leg (4), comprising a further connecting element (28) for connecting to the second component (3), and a support plate (15) facing the first leg (4) having holes (19) penetrating it completely and corresponding to the holes (11) of the first leg (4), so that the respective connecting element (21) can be driven through the hole (11) of the first leg (4) and the corresponding hole (19).It is provided that at least two of the holes (19, 24) of the support plate (15) are inclined with respect to the first leg (4) and parallel with respect to the second leg (5) and are mirror images of each other with respect to a mirror plane (14) that is perpendicular to the first leg (4) and to the second leg (5).