Structural member connection system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage rack systems require multiple specially sized and configured parts for assembly, which is time-consuming and costly, and often experience issues with structural supports loosening or rotating on horizontal beams, especially when supporting heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A universal structural support member with pre-formed holes and a key structure to prevent rotation, allowing attachment to multiple sized storage rack beams and maintaining an even support surface, using a combination of polygon-shaped holes and locking mechanisms to secure the bolt and prevent twisting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specially sized and configured parts are used for assembly, then the structural support can be attached to differently sized storage rack beams, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support member is designed with a universal configuration that can be attached to storage rack beams of different sizes (three-inch, three-and-a-half-inch, and four-inch widths). Instead of creating specialized support members for each beam size, a single universal design with adjustable attachment mechanisms accommodates multiple beam dimensions, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system incorporates adjustable parameters such as repositionable fastening points or adaptable connection mechanisms that can be configured to match different beam sizes. This allows the same structural support member to adapt to varying beam dimensions by changing the attachment parameters rather than requiring different physical components
2Ease of operation
If a single bolt is used to fasten the structural support to the horizontal beam, then the assembly is simple, but the structural support may loosen or rotate around the bolt under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support member includes pre-formed holes positioned and sized to receive bolts of sufficient diameter before assembly. These pre-formed holes are designed to maintain proper alignment and prevent rotation during the bolting process, ensuring stable attachment from the outset rather than requiring additional anti-rotation measures during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system combines multiple structural features within the support member, including pre-formed holes with specific geometries and bolt engagement structures, to create a composite attachment mechanism that provides both simplicity of assembly and reliability under load through the integrated design of these interacting components
3Adaptability or versatility
If differently sized horizontal beams are used for different storage purposes, then the storage system can accommodate various load requirements, but the cost increases due to multiple beam sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support member serves multiple functions by being compatible with differently sized horizontal beams (three-inch, three-and-a-half-inch, and four-inch widths). This universal support member can be used across all beam sizes, allowing the storage system to accommodate various load requirements through beam selection rather than requiring specialized support members for each beam size, thereby reducing inventory variety
Data Source
AI summary
A universal structural support member that includes multiple holes formed therethrough is provided to attach to multiple sized horizontal beams of a storage rack, built strong enough to support multiple pallets of goods. Pre-formed holes through the structural member and/or horizontal beam can be formed in the shape of a polygon, e.g., a square hole. A bolt to attach the structural support to the horizontal beam can be formed with a key structure to interlock with the hole and prevent rotation of the nut and/or structural member. The member can be configured with multiple holes in multiple arrangements to allow the structural support member to be used with differently sized storage racks.