Slab Bolster Connector With Resilient Locking Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slab bolster connection mechanisms lack a secure and simple method to join multiple bolster elements linearly, often resulting in unintentional decoupling under tensile and flexural loads.
Innovation Solution
A slab bolster design featuring a male connector with a solid insertion body and a complementary female connector with resilient locking tabs, allowing for a robust and secure connection between bolster elements by minimizing the insertion force and resisting withdrawal through positive locking engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing connection mechanisms are used to join multiple bolster elements, then the bolsters can be connected linearly, but the connection is not secure and results in unintentional decoupling under tensile and flexural loads
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates a resilient locking tab that can dynamically deflect during insertion and then lock into place, providing both ease of assembly and secure connection. The tab's ability to move from a deflected state during insertion to a locked state during use resolves the contradiction between simple assembly and secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tab's material properties are selected to provide resiliency, allowing it to deflect during insertion and then maintain a locked position. This parameter change from flexible during insertion to rigid during locking enables both simple assembly and secure connection under load.
2Reliability
If a secure connection mechanism is designed to resist withdrawal, then the connection becomes reliable, but the insertion force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab is designed to be resilient and dynamic, deflecting easily during insertion to reduce insertion force, then locking firmly to resist withdrawal. This dynamic behavior allows the connector to require low insertion force while maintaining high resistance to decoupling under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional zones: an insertion body for receiving the bolster element, a locking tab for securing the connection, and a resilient portion for enabling deflection. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its function, reducing insertion force while maintaining connection security.
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 solution provides a robust coupling that minimizes the probability of inadvertent decoupling under various loads, ensuring a durable and secure assembly of slab bolster elements.
Implementation Method 1
a first resiliently deflectable locking tab that engages with, and locks into, the locking groove of the insertion body
Data Source
AI summary
A slab bolster element includes a frame member having a male connector at a first end and a female connector at an opposite second end. The male connector includes a substantially solid insertion body with a surface having a transverse locking groove. The female connector includes a receptacle body configured to receive the insertion body of a complementary male connector, and a resiliently flexible locking tab positioned and configured to resiliently deflect to allow the insertion of the insertion body of another slab bolster element into the receptacle body, and to resiliently engage with the transverse locking groove of the insertion body when the insertion body is received within the receptacle body.