Concrete Screw and Load Plate Assembly for 3-Axis Timber Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for aligning structural components in timber construction, such as wall elements and sleepers, face challenges in flexibility, ease of manufacturing, and precise alignment, especially when foundations are not perfectly perpendicular.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a concrete screw with a separate load plate that engages with the screw head, allowing torque transmission and flexible alignment, even when the screw is not perfectly vertical, with features like a support flange and positioning cone for secure and precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the concrete screw and load plate are designed as separate parts, then the ease of manufacture and flexibility are improved, but the torque transmission reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate parts: a concrete screw and a load plate. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using different processes and materials optimized for their specific functions, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A drive formation mechanism serves as an intermediary between the load plate and concrete screw. This intermediary structure ensures reliable torque transmission from the load plate to the screw shaft through engaged drive elements (such as hexagonal or Torx interfaces), resolving the reliability concern despite separate part design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the load plate is made adjustable to accommodate foundation deviations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load plate is designed with rotational freedom around the screw shaft, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation to accommodate deviations in foundation perpendicularity. This dynamic adaptability enables the load plate to self-align with the component being installed, compensating for foundation errors without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support flange of the concrete screw features a convexly rounded surface that interfaces with the load plate. This curved geometry allows the load plate to tilt and rotate freely within certain limits, providing adaptability to foundation deviations while maintaining simple structural design.
3Manufacturing precision
If the drive formation engagement is made tight to prevent play, then the alignment precision is improved, but the ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The drive formation geometry is designed with specific dimensional parameters that provide precise engagement (such as hexagonal or Torx profiles with optimized tooth dimensions). These parameter optimizations ensure play-free connection for precise alignment while maintaining compatibility with standard drive tools for ease of operation.
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
Enables easy and precise alignment of components in all three axes, accommodating slight deviations in foundation angles, and provides a seal against moisture, enhancing manufacturing ease and alignment accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a torque for screwing in or unscrewing the thread of the concrete screw can be transmitted from the load plate to the concrete screw
Implementation Method 2
the concrete screw, in particular the head of the concrete screw, has a support flange for supporting the load plate, wherein the support flange is convexly rounded on its side facing the load plate
Implementation Method 3
the central drive formation of the load plate and the drive formation of the concrete screw clamp together to a play-free state
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for aligning components, in particular wall elements, wall panels or sleepers in timber construction, with a concrete screw, wherein the concrete screw has a screw shaft with a thread and a screw head with a drive formation, wherein a load plate is provided, wherein the concrete screw and the load plate are designed as separate parts, wherein the load plate has a central drive formation which is adapted to the drive formation of the concrete screw, and wherein in the assembled state of the device the central drive formation of the load plate acts on the drive formation of the concrete screw or engages in the drive formation of the concrete screw, so that a torque for screwing in or unscrewing the thread of the concrete screw can be transmitted from the load plate to the concrete screw.