Ribbed Connector Plates for Soft Workpiece Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for joining workpieces made of softer materials face limitations in load-bearing capacity due to shear stress on screws, which are weakened by increasing the number, length, or diameter of screws or the surface area of connector plates.
Innovation Solution
The connector plates feature ribs or studs with a triangular or sawtooth cross-section projecting 1 mm to 1.8 mm, spaced 0.8 cm to 1.3 cm apart, that penetrate the workpiece surface, increasing static friction and reducing shear forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the number, length, or diameter of screws is increased to increase load-bearing capacity, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the workpieces are weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (screws) with a friction-based system. The roughened surface creates high static friction that resists shear forces, eliminating the need for additional screws or larger screw dimensions. This substitution maintains workpiece integrity while achieving the desired load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface parameter of the connector plate by creating a roughened surface with increased surface area and irregularities. This parameter change increases the friction coefficient between the connector plate and workpiece, thereby increasing load-bearing capacity without adding more fasteners that would weaken the workpiece.
2Strength
If the surface area of connector plates is increased to increase load-bearing capacity, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the overall size is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface topology parameter rather than the overall plate dimensions. By creating a roughened surface with micro-scale irregularities, the effective contact area and friction are increased while the macroscopic dimensions of the connector plate remain unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from considering only the two-dimensional surface area of the connector plate to utilizing the third dimension by creating surface relief features. The roughened surface introduces vertical dimensionality through peaks and valleys, increasing the effective contact area without increasing the plate's footprint.
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 design enhances load-bearing capacity by up to 40% while maintaining the same size, allowing for higher force transmission and smaller overall size, with optimal spacing and shape of ribs or studs ensuring uniform contact and minimal weakening of the workpiece.
Implementation Method 1
This pressure causes the ribs or studs to penetrate, at least slightly, the surface of the softer materials of the workpieces. This significantly increases the static friction between the connector plates and the workpieces
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
Connector (1) for two workpieces (2, 3) made of materials softer than the connector (1), comprising a first connector plate (4) having a front surface (7) for contact with one of the workpieces (2, 3), an accessible rear surface (8), and one or more through holes (9) for screwing it to the first workpiece (2), and a second connector plate (5) having a front surface (11) for contact with the other of the workpieces (2, 3), an accessible rear surface (12), and one or more through holes (13) for screwing it to the second workpiece (3), wherein the first and second connector plates (4, 5) are either made in one piece or can be coupled together, and wherein the front surfaces (7, 11) of the first and second connector plates (4, 5) are each provided with several ribs (14) or studs (15) projecting by 1 mm to 1.8 mm and having a triangular or sawtooth cross-section, which are separated from each other They are spaced 0.8 cm to 1.3 cm apart.