Wedge-Clamped Timber Connection Assembly for Fast Concealed Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connections in timber construction, such as those using dowels and slotted plates, are weak, inefficient, and cumbersome to assemble, with visible fasteners that detract from aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A connection arrangement featuring a first component with an anchor element, a second component with a conical or wedge-shaped housing, and a clamping part with a conical or wedge-shaped outer surface, allowing for easy assembly by inserting a connecting section into the clamping part, which is clamped securely by the housing when tensile force is applied, and remains ready for assembly with limited movement until connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional connection methods (screws, bolts, clips, adhesive tapes, expansion anchors) are used to connect building components, then the components can be connected, but the connection process requires multiple separate steps and materials, increasing construction time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection functions into a single integrated connecting element. The connecting element includes a body with first and second connection portions that can simultaneously engage with different components (e.g., a profile rail and a panel), eliminating the need for separate screws, clips, or adhesive tapes. This merging of multiple connection methods into one component directly reduces construction time and simplifies the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle various connection scenarios. The body can be made from different materials (metal, plastic, wood) and includes adjustable connection portions that can adapt to different component types and mounting requirements. This universality allows a single connecting element to replace multiple specialized connection devices, improving productivity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate connection materials and devices are used, then various connection requirements can be met, but the number of different materials and devices increases, complicating inventory management and construction procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element incorporates multiple connection portions within a single body, where each portion can be configured for different connection types (e.g., one portion for screw attachment, another for clip engagement, or adhesive application). This multi-functionality maintains adaptability to various connection requirements while reducing the total number of distinct components needed, as one universal connecting element replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element body is divided into distinct connection portions (first connection portion, second connection portion, etc.), where each portion can be independently designed and configured for specific connection tasks. This segmentation allows the single connecting element to perform multiple specialized functions without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing component complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional connection methods are used, then components can be attached, but the process involves multiple steps and materials that increase construction time and labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple connection functions into a single connecting element that can be installed in one operation, the patent eliminates the sequential steps required when using separate screws, clips, and adhesive tapes. The connecting element's body integrates all necessary connection mechanisms, allowing a single installation action to achieve what previously required multiple steps, thereby reducing construction time while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting assembly for connecting two components (a-h) in the field of construction, having a first component (a-h) with at least one anchor element (1), which comprises a connecting portion (11), fixed therein or thereon, and a second component (a-h) with at least one housing part (4), which comprises a conical or wedge-shaped inner surface (42), fixed therein or thereon. A clamping part (5) comprising a conical or wedge-shaped outer surface (51) is located in the housing part (4), which clamping part, in a state in which it is connected to the anchor element (1), clamps the connecting portion (11) of the anchor element (1) in such a way that, when a tensile force acts on the connecting portion (11), the outer surface (51) of the clamping part (5) is pulled against the inner surface (42) of the housing part (4) such that the clamping force acting on the connecting portion (11) increases. In a state in which it is not connected to the anchor element (1), the clamping part (5) has a certain range of motion with respect to the inner surface (42) of the housing part; however, said housing part is spatially delimited in all directions.