Threaded Rod Connector Arms for External Insert Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threaded rod connectors lack versatility and ease of manufacturing while providing reliable functionality, particularly in terms of adjusting the axial position and preventing unwanted spinning of the rod engagement segments.
Innovation Solution
A threaded rod connector design featuring a housing with a tapered cavity and an insert comprising rod engagement segments connected to segment carrying arms, allowing for external access and manipulation of the insert to adjust the threaded rod's position without the need for axial compression springs, and incorporating a collar for improved robustness and ease of manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If axial compression springs are used to bias rod engagement segments against the tapered cavity, then initial engagement of the threaded rod is ensured, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the axial compression spring from the device, extracting the problematic component that added complexity. Instead of using a spring to bias the rod engagement segments, the invention relies on the elastic arms with radial biasing to achieve initial engagement, thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms automatically provide radial biasing force to the rod engagement segments without requiring external spring mechanisms. The segments themselves, through their elastic arm connections, self-generate the necessary biasing force against the tapered cavity, eliminating the need for separate spring components
2Ease of operation
If the insert is made accessible from outside the cavity by extending segment carrying arms towards the mouth, then functionality and ease of manipulation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segment carrying arms extend in a radial direction towards the cavity mouth, creating an external access pathway from the interior insert to the exterior environment. This dimensional extension allows users to grasp and manipulate the insert from outside the cavity without adding complex external mechanisms, simply by utilizing the existing arm structure
Solution Approach 2:
The segment carrying arms serve dual functions: they structurally support the rod engagement segments within the cavity while simultaneously providing an external grasping interface for user manipulation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate access mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while improving ease of operation
3Reliability
If multiple rod engagement segments are arranged within the tapered cavity, then the threaded rod can be securely wedged and locked, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rod engagement structure is divided into multiple discrete rod engagement segments, each capable of independent radial movement via elastic arms. This segmentation allows each segment to self-adjust and self-align during assembly, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision in the overall cavity geometry while maintaining secure locking through the combined action of multiple segments
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered cavity provides a gradually changing geometric parameter (diameter) from the cavity mouth towards the bottom. This continuous parameter change creates a self-wedging effect where the rod engagement segments are progressively compressed and locked against the threaded rod, reducing sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances by relying on the cumulative effect of the taper rather than precise single-point positioning
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
The design enhances functionality by allowing for easy rotation and adjustment of the threaded rod, prevents unwanted spinning, and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining reliability and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
the cavity has a tapered zone tapering towards the mouth of the cavity for wedging the rod engagement segments against the threaded rod
Implementation Method 2
the rod engagement segments are radially biased against the threaded rod by elastic arms
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
Threaded rod connector comprising a housing (1) having a cavity (10) for receiving a threaded rod therein, wherein the cavity (10) has a mouth (11), and an insert (3) comprising a plurality of rod engagement segments (50), which are arranged within the cavity (10), wherein the cavity (10) has a tapered zone (14) tapering towards the mouth (11) for wedging the rod engagement segments (50) against the threaded rod, wherein the insert (3) further comprises a plurality of segment carrying arms (40), each having a segment connection end (45) and an interconnection end (43), which is located opposite the segment connection end on the respective segment carrying arm, wherein each of the rod engagement segments (50) is connected to at least one of the segment carrying arms (40) at the segment connection end (45) thereof, and wherein the segment carrying arms (40) are interconnected at their interconnection ends (43). Each of the segment carrying arms (40) extends, originating from its segment connection end (45), towards the mouth (11) of the cavity (10).