Wind Brace Band Connector With Tool-Free Locking Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional connectors for perforated bands, such as bolts or rivets, pose risks during installation due to their complexity, requiring multiple tools and increasing the likelihood of poor connection quality and safety hazards, especially when working at heights, as they necessitate multiple climbs and can lead to tool drops or forgotten components.
Innovation Solution
A wind brace band connector system comprising one-piece connector elements with projecting pins and holes, allowing for a torque-free, tool-free connection by registering the perforated band and distributing load effectively, with a locking mechanism that ensures secure assembly without additional tools like bolts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional connectors (bolts or rivets) are used to connect perforated bands, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring multiple tools and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connector components (pins, holes, and locking features) into a single integrated one-piece connector element. This eliminates the need for separate bolts, nuts, or rivets, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection strength through the unified structure's inherent mechanical interlocking capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to be self-installing through a simple push-through motion where pins pass through pre-drilled holes in the perforated band. The connector elements themselves perform the connection function without requiring external tools or additional components, making the system self-sufficient and easy to operate.
2Strength
If traditional connectors requiring multiple tools are used, then connection strength may be improved, but ease of operation and productivity deteriorate due to multiple climbs and tool management
Solution Approach 1:
The connector enables workers to complete the connection task with a simple push-through motion using only their hands or basic tools already present on the job site. This eliminates the need to climb down and retrieve additional tools or components, significantly improving installation efficiency and productivity while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with pre-configured pins and holes that align with standard perforated band patterns, allowing for quick installation without requiring precise measurement or alignment during the connection process. This preliminary design consideration speeds up the installation process while ensuring reliable connections.
3Strength
If traditional connectors are used, then connection strength may be achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to risks of forgotten components and poor connection quality
Solution Approach 1:
The single-piece connector design eliminates the possibility of forgetting separate bolts or nuts, as all connection features are integrated into one component. The push-through installation method ensures that the connector is properly seated and engaged in a single motion, reducing the risk of improper installation or incomplete connections, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging all connection features into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates the risk of missing or forgetting individual parts. The unified structure ensures that all necessary connection elements are present and properly positioned, improving connection reliability while maintaining strength.
4Ease of operation
If simple tool-free connectors are used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision may deteriorate due to simpler connection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated one-piece connector combines multiple precision features (pins, holes, locking mechanisms) into a single manufactured component. This allows for precise positioning and alignment to be built into the connector during manufacturing, ensuring high connection precision while maintaining ease of installation through the simple push-through method.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a wind brace band connector comprising at least a first and a second one-piece connector element for connecting at least one perforated band defining a longitudinal band axis to a connection bracket attached to a building, or for connecting at least two perforated bands with each other. The connector is easy to connect to a perforated band, i.e. a wind brace strap using no or just a simple tool.