Ribbed Connector Plates for Higher Load in Soft Workpieces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for connecting workpieces made of softer materials face limitations in load-bearing capacity due to shear stress, as increasing screw number, length, or connector plate surface area weakens the workpieces.
Innovation Solution
The connector plates feature projecting ribs or knobs on their front sides that penetrate into the workpiece surfaces, increasing static friction and reducing shear forces, with optimal rib protrusion and spacing for maximum effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the surface area of the connector plates is increased to increase load-bearing capacity, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the workpiece dimensions limit this increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface interaction parameters by introducing protruding ribs or knobs that penetrate into the workpiece surfaces. This penetration increases the effective contact pressure and friction force per unit area, allowing the connector plates to achieve higher load-bearing capacity without increasing their overall surface area. The localized penetration depth and surface characteristics are optimized to maximize friction forces within the constraints of workpiece dimensions.
2Strength
If the number of screws is increased to reduce shear forces on individual screws, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but more holes are required in the workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the multi-screw mechanical fastening system with a friction-based connection system. Instead of using multiple screws to distribute and reduce shear forces, the connector plates generate sufficient friction forces through pressed surfaces and penetrating ribs that resist shear loads collectively. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple screws and their associated holes, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving load-bearing capacity.
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% for the same size, allowing greater force transmission while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the contact pressure, the ribs or nubs penetrate at least slightly into the surface of the softer materials of the workpieces. This significantly increases the static friction of the connector plates on the workpieces
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
A connector (1) for two workpieces (2, 3) made of materials softer than the connector (1), comprising a first connector plate (4) having a front side (7) for contact with one of the workpieces (2, 3), an accessible rear side (8), and one or more through-holes (9) for screwing to one workpiece (2), and a second connector plate (5) having a front side (11) for contact with the other of the workpieces (2, 3), an accessible rear side (12), and one or more through-holes (13) for screwing to the other workpiece (3), wherein the first and second connector plates (4, 5) are either formed integrally with one another or have a coupling (6) for coupling to the respective other connector plate (5, 4), and wherein the front sides (7, 11) of the first and second connector plates (4, 5) are each provided with a plurality of 0.2 mm to 2.5 mm projecting ribs (14). or knobs (15).