Truss Connection Block With Pre-Applied Fasteners for Precise Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for connecting trusses to structural components in building frameworks rely heavily on installer skill for correct bracket location and fastening, with the adequacy of the connection often difficult to verify.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a block with pre-applied fasteners that secure the truss to a structural component, ensuring correct relative positioning and preventing translational displacement, allowing for easy and reliable connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional brackets with fasteners are used to interconnect framework components, then visual inspection of bracket location is possible, but installer skill is critical and adequacy of fastening cannot be verified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebracket location verificationVSAvoidfastening adequacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener is pre-applied to the bracket in a controlled manufacturing environment, ensuring correct positioning and pre-verifying adequacy before the bracket is installed on site. This preliminary action transfers the skill requirement from installation to manufacturing, where verification is more feasible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism through the pre-applied fastener configuration, which serves as a tangible indicator of proper installation. The fastener's pre-positioned state acts as a mediator that communicates installation adequacy without requiring complex inspection procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If heavy reliance is placed on installer skill for reliable interconnection, then connection integrity may be achieved, but process complexity and training requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection integrityVSAvoidinstallation process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-applied fastener system is designed to be self-verifying, where the fastener's configuration and positioning automatically indicate correct installation without requiring complex inspection procedures or highly skilled installers. The system serves itself by providing built-in verification cues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state of the fastener from a hidden internal component to a pre-positioned visible element, transforming the verification parameter from invisible fastening adequacy to visible fastener positioning. This parameter change simplifies the installation process and reduces dependency on installer skill.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If fasteners are pre-applied to ensure correct positioning, then sliding between components is precluded, but assembly flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastener positioningVSAvoidassembly flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener is pre-applied to the bracket during manufacturing with precise positioning, establishing correct geometry before installation. This preliminary action ensures manufacturing precision while maintaining assembly flexibility because the pre-positioned fastener becomes part of the bracket assembly that can still be moved and positioned during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3802979B1Connection of a truss to a structural component in the assembly of a building structure
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3802979B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3802979B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C
  • EP3802979B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

There is disclosed a method of assembling a building structure in which a truss is connected to a structural component, the method comprising effecting correct relative positioning of the truss and component and fixing together the truss and component with at least one fastener, wherein: one of the truss and component comprises a member within which, prior to the positioning being effected, the or each fastener and/or a respective hole arranged to receive it extend(s), and the fixing together of the truss and component comprises advancing the or each fastener, within the member or received in the respective hole, into the other of the truss and component; or there is provided a member within which the or each fastener and/or a respective hole arranged to receive it extends, and the fixing together of the truss and component comprises, with the member secured to one of the truss and component, advancing the or each fastener, within the member or received in the respective hole, into the other of the truss and component.