Threaded Connector for Structural Alignment Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for securing structures like posts, poles, and panels to supports are complex and expensive, and often require intricate adjustments to ensure vertical alignment, which can be difficult to achieve accurately, especially on uneven surfaces, and may damage the mounting surfaces or structures during installation.
Innovation Solution
A threaded connecting mechanism featuring an anchor member with a threaded passageway and an elongate connecting member with externally threaded sections, allowing for adjustable positioning through a turning formation, such as a non-circular socket, to securely attach structures to supports while enabling fine adjustments for vertical and horizontal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If special base attachments are used to allow orientation adjustment after mounting, then the ability to adjust vertical alignment is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base attachment system is segmented into distinct functional components: a mounting plate with multiple hole patterns for initial positioning, and a separate adjustment mechanism with threaded rods and nuts. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is designed with pre-drilled holes in multiple patterns that allow the structure to be roughly positioned and secured before fine adjustment is needed. This preliminary positioning action simplifies the subsequent adjustment process by establishing a known reference frame, reducing the complexity of the adjustment mechanism required.
2Manufacturing precision
If shimming process is used to correct vertical misalignment, then the alignment accuracy can be improved, but the installation time increases and already mounted panels must be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism uses threaded rods that can be rotated to dynamically change the height and position of the mounted structure. This dynamic adjustment capability allows for precise vertical alignment to be achieved after mounting, eliminating the need for time-consuming shimming processes and panel removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical shimming system is replaced with a threaded adjustment mechanism that provides continuous, precise positioning capability. This substitution eliminates the need to disassemble and reassemble panels for alignment corrections, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining high alignment accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting methods are used, then the installation process is simpler, but the mounting surfaces and structures can be easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate serves as an intermediary between the mounting surface and the structure being installed. It distributes loads across multiple attachment points and provides a stable platform that reduces stress concentration, thereby protecting both the mounting surface and the structure from damage while maintaining installation simplicity.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex adjustment systems are used to achieve precise alignment, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed as a universal system that can accommodate different mounting configurations and structure types. The threaded rods and nuts can be adjusted to provide both vertical and horizontal alignment corrections, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for different alignment requirements and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A threaded connector for securing a panel member to a structure and for adjusting the position of the panel member relative to the structure. The connector comprises an elongate one-piece stud, a first spacer, a threaded nut, a second spacer and a turning formation. The connector permits the panel member to be mounted on the stud and the stud to be rotated to adjust the position of the panel member relative to the structure.