Post-Bolt Connection Tolerance Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mullion-transom connections face difficulties due to slight tolerances in post alignment, leading to tension between transoms and mullions, requiring complex adjustments and reworking.

Innovation Solution

A mullion-transom connection design featuring a thickening at the web's free end for undercut engagement, with a separate support device and clamping elements to compensate for internal dimension tolerances, allowing for flexible assembly and secure bracing between the bolt and post.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If standard post-and-beam connections are used, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but alignment tolerances in post positions cause tension between beams and posts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandardized component productionVSAvoidpost alignment tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection design changes the geometric parameters of the beam end, introducing a thickening with vertical and inclined contact surfaces that can accommodate varying post positions. The inclined surface allows the beam to adapt to different alignment conditions while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The thickening at the beam end acts as an intermediary element between the beam and post, providing adjustable contact surfaces that mediate the connection. This intermediary structure absorbs alignment variations and enables secure connection despite tolerance deviations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If adjustable support devices are added to compensate for tolerance variations, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidsupport device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is segmented into distinct functional components: a thickening portion providing vertical contact, an inclined contact surface for adjustment, and a horizontal contact surface for positioning. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection design incorporates dynamic adaptability through the inclined contact surface, which allows the beam to be positioned at varying angles relative to the post. This dynamic capability enables the connection to accommodate tolerance variations without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3130717B1Post-bolt connection
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 RAICO BAUTECHN
  • EP3130717B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3130717B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3130717B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a post-and-beam connection 1 with a vertical post 2 and a horizontal beam 3, wherein a connecting part 4 is provided on the post 2 and a beam part 6 is provided on a longitudinal end of the beam 3, and a horizontally extending web 7 is provided on the connecting part 4 or the beam part 6 and a groove 8 receiving the web 7 is provided on the beam part 6 or the connecting part 4.In order to enable a connection between post and beam, especially in the case of larger tolerances in the construction of the facade, a thickening 17 is arranged at a free end 5 of the web 7, which is designed for an undercutting, form-fitting engagement in a corresponding recess 18 arranged in the bottom of the groove 8 and a gap is formed between a vertical contact surface of the thickening 17 and a vertical contact surface of the recess 18, wherein the beam part 6 comprises at least one separate support device 26 against the beam 3.