Perforated Band Fitting with Pins for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for joining perforated bands and perforated band fittings are time-consuming and require tools, and there is a risk of forgetting to mount bolts, which complicates the reinforcement of constructions like roofs, ceilings, and walls.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a fitting with a bottom plate containing pins spaced to match the holes in the bands, along with side plates and locking elements to secure the bands, allowing for rapid and tool-free assembly, ensuring all clamping means are in place and providing stability against tensile forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional joining methods using five bolts and five nuts are used, then the connection is secure, but the joining process is time-consuming and requires fixing tools
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional five-bolt connection is segmented and replaced by a single perforated band fitting that integrates multiple fastening functions. The fitting includes a bottom plate with pins that engage with holes in the band, eliminating the need for multiple separate bolts and nuts while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The perforated band fitting serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mounting plate, a fastening device, and a structural connector. The bottom plate with multiple pins can engage with multiple holes in the band, providing both localization (through pin placement) and universal applicability (through the perforated band's flexible configuration).
2Ease of operation
If traditional bolt joining is used, then the connection is secure, but the presence of fixing tools is required
Solution Approach 1:
The perforated band fitting is designed for self-service assembly. The pins on the bottom plate automatically engage with the holes in the perforated band through simple insertion and positioning, eliminating the need for external fixing tools. The elastic tongue-like projection provides automatic locking engagement, allowing the assembly to secure itself without additional tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical system of bolts, nuts, and fixing tools is replaced by a simplified mechanical engagement system. The elastic tongue-like projection provides automatic locking through elastic deformation, substituting the need for threaded fasteners and tool-based tightening operations.
3Reliability
If multiple bolts are used for joining, then the connection is secure, but there is a risk that a fitter forgets to mount one or more bolts
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate fastening operations (five bolts and five nuts) are merged into a single integrated fitting assembly. The bottom plate with multiple pins and the perforated band work together as one unified fastening system, eliminating the need for multiple separate fastening steps and reducing the risk of incomplete assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic tongue-like projection provides visual and tactile feedback during assembly. When the perforated band is properly positioned and engaged, the elastic tongue locks into place, providing immediate confirmation that the assembly is complete and secure. This feedback mechanism ensures that the fitter can verify proper installation without forgetting any components.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a system and a method for rapid joining of perforated bands and perforated band fittings (7, 9) including a fitting (2) consisting of a bottom plate (18) in which pins (10) and a long guide pin (8) are fastened. The fitting (2) moreover includes two laterally disposed side plates (20), each provided with two lowly disposed holes (24) and two highly disposed holes (22). The two perforated bands (4) may be assembled and fastened in the fitting (2) by passing the perforated bands down over the pins (8 and 10), whereby the perforated bands (4) are secured against movement in longitudinal direction (16) of the perforated bands. Then the perforated bands are locked in the fitting by inserting one or more locking elements (12) through lowly disposed holes (24) or highly disposed holes (22) in the side plates (20), depending on the thickness of the perforated bands (measured in the longitudinal direction (14) of the pins). Hereby movement of the perforated bands (4) in longitudinal direction ( 14) of the pins is prevented.