Truncated-Cone Connector for Rapid Rib-Structure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting structural elements in supporting structures, such as ribs for excavations, are time-consuming, require manual intervention, and can be unstable if bolts are not correctly fixed, especially in extensive or complex configurations.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a cavity and insertion portion featuring a truncated cone shape, combined with elastic means, allows for automatic and rapid locking of structural elements by rotating the connection body into a housing, ensuring secure and stable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If joining plates with bolts are used to connect structural elements, then the connection can be made manually, but the connection process is time-consuming and requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device enables self-aligning connection through the rotational mechanism. The insertion portion with truncated cone shape automatically guides the connection body into the housing cavity, and the elastic means with pins automatically engage with the holes during rotation, eliminating the need for manual positioning of multiple bolt holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection process utilizes rotational motion to transform the connection method. The connection body rotates relative to the housing, allowing the pins to dynamically engage with the holes during rotation, converting a static positioning problem into a dynamic self-aligning process that reduces connection time.
2Reliability
If bolts are used to fix joining plates, then connection can be achieved, but the connection may be unstable if bolts are not correctly fixed or tightness is not checked
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic means with pins provide self-verifying connection. The elastic deformation of the means automatically ensures proper engagement of pins with holes, and the rotational locking mechanism inherently verifies correct positioning, eliminating the need for separate tightness checking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic means act as a cushioning element that compensates for positioning tolerances before final engagement. The elastic deformation absorbs misalignment errors and ensures reliable pin-to-hole engagement, preventing connection failure before it occurs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple structural elements are connected in extensive structures, then the final form can be achieved, but precise positioning of elements becomes increasingly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device segments the positioning function into modular components: the truncated cone insertion portion handles alignment, the elastic means handle engagement, and the rotational mechanism handles locking. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one aspect of positioning, maintaining precision across extensive structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational connection mechanism creates an equipotential connection state where the exact starting position does not matter. Any rotational position during engagement is valid, and the system naturally finds its locked state, eliminating cumulative positioning errors in extensive structures.
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, automatic, and stable connections between structural elements, suitable for various cross-sections, reducing installation time and ensuring long-term stability without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a pin (13) with a head (15) of larger diameter capable of forming a stop to the translatory motion of the pin (13) in the said hole (11). With the head (15) is associated an elastic element (17) that extends inside the cavity (19) of the hollow connection body (5) and is fixed to the plate (7)
Implementation Method 2
The insertion portion (119), preferably of truncated cone shape, is arranged symmetrically with respect to the larger base (59) of the truncated cone fixing portion (57), and capable of being inserted into the cavity (14) of the housing (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A device for connecting the structural elements, in particular elements of ribs, reticular structures and similar, comprises at least a first housing (4; 44; 403; 411) having a cavity (14; 414; 144) and capable of being associated with a first structural element (2; 20; 200; 121), at least one connection body (5; 56; 511) having at least one insertion portion (119; 58; 591) for insertion in the said cavity (14; 414; 144) of the said first housing (4; 44; 403; 411) and capable of being associated with a second structural element (3; 30; 131), and locking means (11, 12, 13, 15, 17; 60, 61, 62, 63, 47; 621, 623, 653) for locking the said insertion portion (119; 58; 591) of the said connection body (5; 56; 511) inside the said cavity (14; 414; 144).