Tapered Steel Alignment Tool for Misaligned Bolt Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools, such as spud wrenches, struggle to efficiently align bolt holes in steel frames due to difficulty in applying force and removing the alignment tool, especially in the context of commercial concrete forms and steel framed buildings, where imperfections in the floor complicate the alignment process.
Innovation Solution
A steel component alignment tool with an elongate handle and a tapered alignment head, allowing for leverage and impact force application to align and remove bolt holes in steel components, featuring a striking area for a hammer to drive the tapered head into misaligned apertures and an elongate handle for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a spud wrench is inserted through bolt holes to align steel supports, then the bolt holes can be aligned, but it becomes difficult to apply force and remove the alignment tool
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a tapered alignment head for insertion and alignment, a striking area for applying force, and an elongate handle for leverage and removal. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function effectively while avoiding the problem of the entire tool being stuck in the bolt holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment function is extracted from the handle and concentrated in the tapered alignment head. This allows the alignment action to be separated from the removal mechanism, enabling the tapered head to be easily pulled out through the aligned bolt holes after serving its alignment purpose.
2Manufacturing precision
If a spud wrench is forced into bolt holes to align steel supports, then alignment can be achieved, but the tool becomes difficult to remove after alignment
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a cylindrical tool that requires force to remove, the invention uses a tapered head that is easier to insert but equally easy to remove. The taper allows the head to be pushed into the bolt holes for alignment, then pulled out smoothly after alignment is achieved, reversing the difficulty pattern of conventional tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool transitions from a static insertion phase to a dynamic removal phase. The elongate handle provides leverage that enables easy removal of the tapered head from the aligned bolt holes, making the removal process as easy as the insertion process.
3Manufacturing precision
If the tapered alignment head is positioned very close to the panel forms, then alignment can be performed, but the tool becomes difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate handle extends the tool in a dimension away from the panel forms, providing the operator with sufficient leverage and space to remove the tapered alignment head without having to position the entire tool close to the forms. This dimensional extension separates the alignment function from the removal function in terms of spatial requirements.
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
Effectively aligns steel components by applying force through the tapered head and providing leverage for easy removal, ensuring precise alignment and secure fastening with clamps.
Implementation Method 1
A striking area configured for striking a hammer onto the tool opposite the tapered alignment head to force said tapered alignment head through misaligned apertures in adjacent steel components
Implementation Method 2
The elongate handle is configured to provide leverage to said tapered alignment head to remove the tapered alignment head from said apertures following alignment of said apertures
Data Source
AI summary
A steel component alignment tool that is used to align adjacent steel components, such as the framework in a concrete form. Adjacent sections of framework have openings that align when the forms are aligned. The head of the tool is tapered from a narrow end to a wider base such that the tapered tool end can be inserted into a pair of misaligned openings, and hit with a hammer or similar striking object to force the tapered head of the tool into the openings. This force causes the adjacent framework to align.