Tapered Structural Connector for Self-Centering Steel Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional 'stick-built' structural steel systems require significant site time and transportation costs due to large individual steel members, necessitating a modular structure that reduces transport size and volume while maintaining minimal site erection time.

Innovation Solution

A structural connector featuring a spigot and socket with tapered configurations, allowing for efficient connection of steel members, utilizing 3D printing for precise fabrication and self-locating capabilities to facilitate quicker assembly and reduced material usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional stick-built steel members are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but site erection time increases and transportation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesite erection timeVSAvoidsite time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is divided into modular segments with standardized spigot and socket connectors, allowing pre-fabricated modules to be assembled on-site without extensive welding or bolting operations, dramatically reducing site erection time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tapered spigot and socket connections are designed to be pre-assembled and pre-positioned during manufacturing, enabling quick alignment and connection on-site without requiring complex alignment procedures during erection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If large pre-fabricated structures are transported, then site erection time is reduced, but transport costs and logistics complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidtransport logistics

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is divided into modular segments that can be transported in smaller, more manageable units, reducing transport size and volume requirements while maintaining quick assembly capabilities through standardized connectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized spigot and socket connector design serves multiple functions: structural connection, alignment reference, and assembly guide, eliminating the need for separate alignment and positioning equipment during transport and assembly operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If tapered spigot and socket connectors are used, then assembly precision and self-centering are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection precisionVSAvoidconnector fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector geometry is defined by simple conical parameters (taper angle, diameter ratios) that can be precisely manufactured using standard machining processes, achieving high connection precision without requiring complex manufacturing procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The tapered geometry provides self-centering and self-aligning properties during assembly, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or specialized manufacturing equipment, as the shape itself guides the connection process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11365539B2Structural connector

Publication Date: 2022.06.21 TOMBA ENTERPRISES PTY LTD

AI summary

A structural connector comprising at least one spigot and at least one socket wherein at least a portion of the at least one spigot is tapered and at least a portion of the at least one socket is a complimentary tapered configuration.