Adjustable Pontoon Connector With Wedge Clamping Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pontoon bridges and platforms require a connecting device that can quickly and securely link individual elements to withstand high loads and adapt to varying conditions, such as changing water levels and rapid deployment needs.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device featuring a base body, a fastening element, and an adjustment body with a longitudinal axis, allowing for variable distance adjustment through a clamping mechanism, utilizing guide elements and counter-guide elements for secure alignment and displacement, ensuring stability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a connecting device uses a clamping mechanism with an adjustment body to quickly connect pontoon elements, then the connection speed and assembly time are improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components including guide elements, counter-guide elements, and adjustment devices
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into separate functional components: a base body for structural support, an adjustment body for distance control, fastening elements for securing, and adjustment devices for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall connection speed and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment body is positioned within the space between the base body and fastening element, nesting multiple functional elements within a compact arrangement. The guide elements and counter-guide elements are integrated into the walls of existing components, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining the clamping mechanism's functionality.
2Reliability
If the connecting device uses guide elements and counter-guide elements for precise alignment, then the connection stability and reliability are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide elements and counter-guide elements are designed to automatically align the pontoon elements during the connection process. As the adjustment body is displaced, the guide elements engage with the counter-guide elements, self-correcting minor misalignments and ensuring proper positioning without requiring high-precision manual adjustment or complex alignment procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting device allows variable distance adjustment between fastening element and base body, then the adaptability to varying water levels and conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the adjustment mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the distance between the fastening element and base body to be varied according to external conditions such as water levels. The adjustment body can be displaced along an axis parallel to its longitudinal axis, enabling the connection to adapt to different pontoon element positions and maintaining connection stability across varying operational conditions.
4Strength
If the connecting device uses a clamping mechanism to securely connect pontoon elements, then the connection strength and load-bearing capacity are improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to the complex adjustment and fastening process
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment device integrates multiple functions into a single actuation mechanism. Rotating the adjustment rod simultaneously displaces the adjustment body, engages the guide elements with counter-guide elements, and activates the fastening element, combining several operations into one straightforward action that maintains connection strength while simplifying the user interface.
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 device enables rapid and secure connection of pontoon elements, providing a stable and adaptable solution for high-load applications, including temporary and permanent bridge structures, while accommodating varying water levels and quick assembly requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the adjustment body drives the base body and the fastening element apart in the manner of a wedge when the latter is displaced in a predetermined direction along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adjustment body
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a connecting device comprising at least one base body (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b) and at least one connecting unit (34; 134a, 134b) with a fastening element (36; 136), an adjusting element (38; 138) and an adjusting device, wherein the distance between the fastening element (36; 136) and the base body (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b) is variable, wherein the base body (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b) has a wall with a first guide element and the fastening element (36; 136) has a wall with a second guide element, wherein the adjusting element (38; 138) is arranged between the base body (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b) and the fastening element (36; 136) and has a first transverse side (54) that points towards the base body (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b), and a second transverse side (54) that points towards the fastening element (36; 136), wherein the adjusting body (38;138) is displaceable by means of the adjusting device along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adjusting body (38; 138) and has a counter-guide element that interacts with the first or second guide element and is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the adjusting body (38; 138).