Threaded Rod Connector Insert for Deep, Spring-Free Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threaded rod connectors lack versatility, reliability, and ease of manufacture, with limitations in initial engagement mechanisms and adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A threaded rod connector design featuring a housing with a tapered cavity and insert comprising rod engagement segments connected to segment carrying arms, forming a cage around the threaded rod, allowing for elastic engagement and adjustable positioning with a collar for enhanced versatility and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rod engagement segments are axially biased by an axial compression spring against the taper of the cavity, then initial engagement of the threaded rod is ensured, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rod engagement segments are pre-positioned on the segment carrying arms at locations that correspond to the tapered cavity geometry. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the insert is placed in the housing, the segments are already aligned to engage the threaded rod without requiring additional axial biasing springs, thus maintaining reliability while reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The axial compression spring mechanism is completely removed from the design. Instead of using active spring-based biasing, the invention relies on the passive geometric arrangement of segments on the carrying arms and the elastic deformation of the arms themselves to provide the necessary engagement force, thereby eliminating the spring component and reducing device complexity
2Reliability
If rod engagement segments are radially biased against the threaded rod by elastic arms, then initial engagement is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design transitions from requiring precise radial positioning of segments to allowing elastic deformation of the segment carrying arms. The arms are designed with controlled elasticity to provide the necessary radial biasing force through their material properties and geometric design rather than through precise assembly positioning, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The segment carrying arms are designed as flexible elastic structures that can deform to accommodate variations in manufacturing tolerances. This flexibility allows the arms to self-adjust and provide consistent radial biasing force on the rod engagement segments without requiring high-precision manufacturing, as the elastic deformation compensates for dimensional variations
3Ease of manufacture
If the insert is located with the rod engagement segments first in the cavity, then assembly is simplified, but the insertion depth of the threaded rod is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The design adds a vertical dimension to segment placement by positioning the rod engagement segments at the top end of the segment carrying arms, which extend downward from the collar. This dimensional arrangement allows the threaded rod to pass through the collar and deep into the housing cavity while maintaining proper engagement geometry, thus increasing insertion depth without complicating assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is segmented into distinct functional zones: the collar at the top for structural support and alignment, the segment carrying arms extending downward to provide engagement points, and the rod engagement segments positioned to receive the threaded rod. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned for its function, enabling both easy assembly and deep insertion
4Adaptability or versatility
If the insert comprises a cage formed by segment carrying arms, then versatility of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segment carrying arms serve multiple functions: they structurally support the rod engagement segments, provide elastic biasing through their flexibility, form the cage structure for rod accommodation, and enable both deep insertion and easy assembly. This multi-functionality achieves versatility without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single component performs multiple roles
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 provides reliable and versatile engagement of threaded rods with high insertion depth, elastic bias for provisional engagement, and compact manufacturing, enabling efficient assembly and disassembly without axial biasing, while maintaining robustness and ease of manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
the cavity (10) has a tapered zone (14) tapering towards the mouth (11) of the cavity (10) for wedging the rod engagement segments (50) against the threaded rod
Implementation Method 2
the segment carrying arms (40) form a cage (44) for accommodating the threaded rod
Data Source
AI summary
Threaded rod connector including a housing having a cavity for receiving a threaded rod therein, wherein the cavity has a mouth, and an insert including a plurality of rod engagement segments, which are arranged within the cavity, wherein the cavity has a tapered zone tapering towards the mouth for wedging the rod engagement segments against the threaded rod, wherein the insert further includes a plurality of interconnected segment carrying arms, wherein each of the rod engagement segments is connected to at least one of the segment carrying arms, wherein the segment carrying arms form a cage for accommodating the threaded rod. The insert further includes a collar, wherein the segment carrying arms are interconnected via the collar, and wherein the collar surrounds a rod accommodation hole that is aligned with the cage, such that a straight threaded rod can be simultaneously positioned both within the rod accommodation hole and within the cage.