Pre-Assembled Rod Connector for Faster Structural Joint Assembly

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing supporting structures, such as those using welding, rivets, or screws, are inefficient and result in high production costs due to the need for extensive on-site assembly and handling of nuts.

Innovation Solution

A connecting element with pre-arranged nuts on a base element, allowing for automated assembly in a workshop and eliminating the need for on-site nut handling, thereby simplifying the production process and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If nuts are arranged manually on connecting elements during on-site assembly, then the supporting structure can be assembled, but the production time and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidon-site assembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-arranging nuts on the connecting elements during manufacturing in the workshop, before the supporting structure is assembled on-site. This transfers the nut arrangement operation from the construction phase to the manufacturing phase, where it can be performed more efficiently and eliminates the time-consuming manual nut handling during on-site assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If traditional welding or riveting methods are used to connect bars, then structural strength is achieved, but the production process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connecting element into a base element and separately attachable nuts. This segmentation allows the nuts to be pre-positioned on the base element during manufacturing, creating a pre-assembled unit that simplifies on-site installation while maintaining strong screw connections between the bars and the connecting element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If manual handling and arrangement of nuts is performed on-site, then the connecting element can be assembled, but labor costs and production expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveon-site assembly easeVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-arranging nuts on the connecting elements during manufacturing in the workshop, before the supporting structure is assembled on-site. This transfers the nut arrangement operation from the construction phase to the manufacturing phase, where it can be performed more efficiently and eliminates the time-consuming manual nut handling during on-site assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250052273A1Connecting element for a supporting structure and method for producing the same

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 BOUAOUAJA KAMAL

AI summary

A connecting element for a supporting structure via which at least two rods of a supporting structure can be releasably connected to the connecting element by screw connections. In order to achieve particularly efficient production, the connecting element has a base element with bores, wherein nuts are provided on the bores. A method for producing a supporting structure, which comprises at least three bars that are connected at a junction point via a connecting element by screw connections, is also provided.