Two-Part Wooden Component Connector for One-Sided Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for connecting components, such as wooden components, have complex multi-part structures, difficult assembly processes, and often weaken the components due to transverse bores, leading to asymmetrical tension distribution and potential loosening.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a retaining bolt having a threaded portion for screwing into a first component and a non-threaded portion for insertion into an opening in a second component, featuring a cylindrical clamping bolt with a conical end to align and clamp the components securely without requiring access from both sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expansion bolts are used with transverse bores in both components, then the connection can be secured, but the components are completely penetrated and weakened, and the assembly becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate functional parts: a retaining bolt that provides anchoring and a clamping bolt that provides clamping force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping function is extracted from the anchoring function. The retaining bolt remains fixed in the first component while the clamping bolt is inserted separately through the second component and engaged with the retaining bolt. This extraction eliminates the need for complex multi-part expansion bolts and reduces assembly complexity.
2Ease of operation
If transverse bores are made to penetrate completely through components, then expansion bolts can be accessed from both ends, but the components are weakened and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of accessing the clamping mechanism from both ends of the component, the invention inverts the approach by having the clamping bolt inserted from one end and engaged with the retaining bolt that remains accessible from the first component. This inversion eliminates the need for complete penetration through the second component.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping bolt is nested within the structure formed by the retaining bolt and the second component. The clamping bolt passes through the second component and engages with the retaining bolt, creating a nested arrangement that provides accessibility without requiring complete penetration through both components.
3Reliability
If conical tips and opposing conical pieces are used with tension screws, then the connection can be secured, but the structure becomes complex and assembly becomes difficult with twisting risks
Solution Approach 1:
The complex conical expansion mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simpler system. The retaining bolt provides anchoring through threading while the clamping bolt provides clamping force through a conical end that engages with a transverse bore, eliminating the need for opposing conical pieces and tension screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism changes from an expansion-based system to a clamping-based system. The conical end of the clamping bolt creates friction and clamping force through geometric engagement rather than through expansion of opposing conical pieces, simplifying the assembly process and reducing twisting risks.
4Ease of operation
If retaining bolts are screwed movably with play behind the first component, then insertion is simplified, but asymmetrical tension distribution and shear stress occur
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining bolt is first screwed into the first component to establish a fixed reference position before the clamping bolt is inserted. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and positioning, eliminating play and preventing asymmetrical tension distribution during the clamping process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention accepts and utilizes the asymmetrical nature of the connection geometry. The retaining bolt is fixed in position while the clamping bolt is inserted at an angle through the transverse bore, creating a controlled asymmetrical force distribution that is managed through the geometric design rather than attempted to be eliminated.
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
Provides a simple, secure, and permanent connection between components, eliminating the need for transverse bores in the first component, reducing weakening, and ensuring the connection does not loosen due to friction and clamping forces.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical clamping bolt with a pointed conical end, which, when the retaining bolt assumes its position screwed in or behind the first bore and inserted into the opening, can be inserted into the second bore and into the transverse bore, to align them with each other and thus clamp the contact surfaces against each other
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connector (1) for two components (2, 3), in particular wooden components, of which the first component (2) has a first bore (7) extending from a contact surface (8) and the second component (3) has an opening (10) extending from a contact surface (11) and a second bore (12) transversely penetrating the opening (10), comprising a retaining bolt (4) with a threaded section (6) for screwing into or behind the first bore (7) and a non-threaded section (9) for insertion into the opening (10), wherein the non-threaded section (10) is penetrated by a transverse bore (13), and a clamping bolt (5) with a conical end (14), which, when the retaining bolt (4) assumes its position screwed into or behind the first bore (7) and inserted into the opening (10), can be inserted into the second bore (12) and into the transverse bore (13) in order to align them with one another and so that the attachment areas (8, 11) are spanned against each other.