Universal Strut Connector Assembly for Rotational Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Safety and rescue workers face challenges with the weight and space requirements of diverse strut lengths and components, leading to suboptimal solutions in shoring applications, as existing technologies do not provide sufficient versatility and flexibility for varied shoring situations.
Innovation Solution
A strut assembly with geometrically identical connector halves featuring protruding and recessed interlock elements allows for rotationally locked connections between struts and optional rotational coupling with accessories, enhancing versatility and reducing the need for multiple components by enabling efficient combination and alignment of struts and accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple struts of different lengths and components are carried to rescue sites, then the versatility and adaptability to handle diverse shoring situations is improved, but the weight and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector half is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple roles: it can connect to identical connector halves of other struts to form rotationally locked connections, and it can also connect to accessories requiring rotational freedom. This multi-functionality allows a single connector design to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized connectors, thereby reducing the overall weight and number of components needed while maintaining versatility across different shoring applications
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple struts of different lengths and components are carried to rescue sites, then the adaptability to handle diverse shoring situations is improved, but the space requirements in the vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal connector half design enables a reduced inventory of strut components. Instead of carrying multiple specialized connectors for different strut types and accessories, workers can use the same connector half for all connections. This consolidation significantly reduces the volume required to store and transport the equipment, while maintaining the ability to adapt to various shoring situations through flexible combination of struts and accessories
3Strength
If connector halves are designed to mechanically interlock in a rotationally locked manner, then the structural strength and stability of strut connections is improved, but the flexibility to connect with accessories requiring rotational freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector half incorporates localized functional zones: protruding interlock elements positioned to engage with recessed interlock elements of identical connectors for rotationally locked strut-to-strut connections, while simultaneously providing a smooth outer circumference for accessories requiring rotational freedom. This spatial differentiation of connection characteristics within a single component allows both rotationally locked and rotationally free connections to be achieved with the same connector design
4Adaptability or versatility
If a large variety of different struts and components are maintained for rescue operations, then the ability to handle most situations is improved, but the time required for setup and assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector half is segmented into distinct functional elements: protruding interlock elements for active engagement and recessed interlock elements for passive reception. This segmentation allows for intuitive, tool-free assembly where components self-align and interlock through their complementary geometric features, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining the ability to create various strut configurations for different rescue scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a strut (2), comprising: —an elongate member (7) extending in an axial direction and defining a spacer; —wherein at least one axial end of the elongate member comprises a connector half (4) that is configured to be selectively coupled to a connector half of a further strut or to an accessory (5); —wherein said connector half comprises protruding interlock elements and recessed interlock elements to allow said connector half to mechanically interlock with a geometrically identical connector half and thereby define a connector that allows the strut to be connected to a further strut of similar type in a rotationally locked manner; and-wherein said connector half is further configured to be rotationally coupled to the accessory. The invention further relates to an assembly of such a strut and an accessory or a further strut being coupled to the connector half.