Slip-Resisting Fastener Alignment Guide for Angled Joint Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener alignment tools are costly and time-consuming to install, and they do not ensure accurate alignment or even load distribution, which can lead to differential displacement and stress concentrations in structural connections.
Innovation Solution
A fastener alignment guide comprising a planar body with an angled element and aligned apertures that allow for progressive insertion of fasteners at a predefined angle, and a slip-resisting design with a guidewall and bearing edges to prevent movement and distribute loads evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional fastener alignment tools (pocket screw jig, secondary machined parts) are used, then fastener alignment is achieved, but production cost and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastener alignment guide function directly into the connector body by forming an angled element with an aperture at a predefined angle θ to the planar body. This integration eliminates the need for separate alignment tools like pocket screw jigs or secondary machined parts, reducing both device complexity and installation time while maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The angled element is pre-formed as part of the connector during manufacturing, with the aperture positioned at the exact predefined angle θ. This preliminary preparation of the alignment geometry eliminates the need for on-site alignment operations, reducing installation time and complexity while ensuring consistent manufacturing precision
2Strength
If fasteners are installed at non-perpendicular angles to improve connection strength, then connection strength improves, but alignment accuracy becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The angled element is pre-formed during connector manufacturing with the aperture positioned at the exact predefined angle θ relative to the planar body. This preliminary preparation ensures that fasteners installed through the aperture automatically achieve the correct non-perpendicular angle for optimal connection strength, eliminating alignment difficulties
Solution Approach 2:
The angled element creates a localized alignment feature at the specific angle θ where the fastener aperture is positioned. This local geometric modification provides precise angular guidance for the fastener while the rest of the connector maintains its standard planar geometry for other functions
3Manufacturing precision
If fastener alignment guide is added to connector, then fastener alignment and load distribution improve, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide functionality is merged into the connector body itself through the angled element, eliminating the need for separate alignment components. This integration reduces the total number of parts and assembly steps, offsetting the cost of creating the angled feature while improving alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The angled element is formed by modifying the geometric parameters of the connector during manufacturing - specifically creating an element at angle θ with a positioned aperture. This parameter change approach allows the alignment feature to be created as part of the standard manufacturing process rather than as an additional component
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a fastener alignment guide comprising a generally planar body and an angled element arranged at an acute angle Θ to the body, a first aperture arranged through the angled element and a second aperture arranged through the body, wherein the first aperture and the second apertures are aligned such that a fastener may be inserted progressively through the first and second apertures in use. The present invention also provides a slip-resisting fastener alignment guide comprising a body at least partially arranged in a first plane, the body comprising a first aperture for receiving, in use, at least a portion of a shank of a fastener; and a guidewall extending out of the first plane for guiding the fastener, in use, into the first aperture at an acute angle a to the first plane, wherein the guidewall comprises a first bearing edge or surface upon which an underside of a head of the fastener can bear in use, the body further comprises a second bearing edge or surface upon which the underside of the head of the fastener can bear in use, and the first bearing edge or surface and the second bearing edge or surface are each configured/arranged to resist movement, in use, of the fastener alignment guide relative to the fastener in a first direction parallel to the first plane. The present invention also provides a method of forming the fastener alignment guide and slip-resisting fastener alignment guide.