Timber Beam T-Joint Fitting with Angled Screws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connections between wooden beams lack rigidity, visibility, and high production costs, while also being limited in applicability to beams of the same width, and fail to effectively transfer forces and torques, necessitating additional diagonal braces.
Innovation Solution
A T-connection using a plate with self-drilling screws, where the plate is fixed to one beam with screws parallel to its longitudinal direction and to the other beam with screws inclined at an acute angle, allowing for concealed assembly and enhanced force and torque transmission without requiring diagonal braces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a sheet metal fitting with nails is used to join two wooden beams, then assembly is facilitated, but the connection has low flexural rigidity and low bending strength
Solution Approach 1:
The connection fitting is divided into multiple separate plates instead of a single piece, allowing each plate to be optimized for specific functions (joining vs. bracing) while maintaining overall structural integrity and strength
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting extends in multiple spatial dimensions - between beams for joining and alongside end faces for bracing - creating a three-dimensional connection system that provides both ease of assembly and high bending strength through distributed load paths
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fitting with multiple individual plates and screws is used, then rigidity is improved, but the fitting is complex to manufacture and looks very technical
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is segmented into functionally distinct plates (joining plates between beams, bracing plates alongside end faces) that can be manufactured separately and assembled systematically, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining rigidity
Solution Approach 2:
Different plates are positioned at specific locations with specific orientations to provide localized functions - joining plates for structural connection and bracing plates for stiffness - allowing each component to be optimized for its specific role
3Ease of manufacture
If a U-shaped bent sheet metal fitting is used for T-joints, then assembly is simplified, but the fitting has visually prominent appearance and relatively low stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is divided into multiple flat plates instead of a single U-shaped component, allowing better distribution of structural functions across separate elements to achieve higher stiffness while maintaining assembly simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting system utilizes multiple dimensions by placing plates both between beams and alongside end faces, creating a distributed three-dimensional connection that provides superior stiffness compared to the two-dimensional U-shaped fitting
4Ease of manufacture
If existing connection methods are used, then assembly is simple, but additional diagonal braces are required between beams
Solution Approach 1:
The plate fitting system performs multiple functions simultaneously - joining beams together, providing bracing action, and transmitting torques - eliminating the need for separate diagonal braces and reducing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The plate fitting acts as an intermediary element that mediates force and torque transmission between beams, replacing the need for additional diagonal brace structures while maintaining assembly simplicity
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 solution provides a strong, rigid, and aesthetically concealed connection that effectively transfers forces and torques between wooden beams, eliminating the need for diagonal braces and reducing production costs, particularly suitable for framing structures like carports and sheds.
Implementation Method 1
A T-connection using a plate with self-drilling screws, where the plate is fixed to one beam with screws parallel to its longitudinal direction and to the other beam with screws inclined at an acute angle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a T-connection of two beams (1, 2) by means of a fitting (3) which has a flat plate (4) and several screws (5, 6, 7), wherein the plate lies between the mutually facing surfaces of the beams (1, 2) and is screwed to both beams. Screws (6), which extend through through holes (9) in the plate into the end beam (1), form an acute angle with the longitudinal direction of the end beam (1) and penetrate the end face of the end beam (1) at the edge region to those sides of the lateral surface of this beam (1) which are oriented perpendicular to the plane spanned by the two beams (1, 2).