Timber Column Base Connector with Quick Rod Lock and Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems for connecting timber columns to bases are inefficient in terms of assembly and disassembly, lacking a seamless integration of quick connection and release mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A connector arrangement featuring a split nut on the timber column and a quickly mountable nut on the base, utilizing separate mechanisms for fast assembly and disassembly, where the split nut grips the rod within the column and the quickly mountable nut engages it within the base, with features like sliding wedges or pawls to facilitate easy connection and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional connector system is used for connecting timber columns to bases, then the connection can be achieved, but the assembly and disassembly processes are time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is divided into two separate nuts: a quickly mountable nut for fast assembly and a split nut for easy disassembly. Each nut handles one direction of the operation, allowing the assembly and disassembly processes to be optimized independently, thereby improving overall efficiency and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses two nuts on the same rod instead of a traditional single fastener system. This inverted approach allows one nut to specialize in quick engagement while the other specializes in easy release, reversing the conventional single-device model and achieving superior bidirectional performance.
2Productivity
If separate mechanisms are used for fast assembly and disassembly, then the functionality is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both nuts operate on the same rod and work together as a unified connector system. The quickly mountable nut provides the primary connection, while the split nut provides the release mechanism. This multi-functionality on a single rod assembly achieves optimized bidirectional operation without requiring separate fastening and unfastening systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The split nut is designed to be easily opened and closed repeatedly throughout the structure's lifecycle. While it adds initial complexity, its reusability across multiple assembly-disassembly cycles amortizes the complexity cost, providing long-term operational efficiency without permanent structural modification.
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 rapid assembly and disassembly of timber structures, enhancing construction efficiency and cost-effectiveness by providing a simple and effective connection mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the quickly mountable nut comprises at least one catch, wherein the catch can preferably be a sliding wedge
Implementation Method 2
the split nut is for releasably gripping a rod
Data Source
AI summary
A connector arrangement for connecting a timber column to a base includes a releasable split nut for releasably gripping a rod, where the releasable split nut is disposed on the timber column, and a quickly mountable nut, where the quickly mountable nut is disposed on the base. The quickly mountable nut allows insertion of the rod into the quickly mountable nut and inhibits withdrawal of the rod from the quickly mountable nut.