Worm-Gear Fastener Actuation for Concealed Wall Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prefabricated building components face challenges in fastening systems, as traditional fasteners like nails or wood screws cannot securely attach sealed components to each other or to site-constructed elements, requiring manual assembly and cover plates for plumbing connections.
Innovation Solution
A threaded fastener actuator system comprising an impeller gear, worm-gear, and housing with a polygonal channel, rotational actuation feature, and sensor module, which uses a spring or slip-thread mechanism to engage threaded fasteners with couplers, and an actuator powered by electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic motors to facilitate secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fasteners (nails or wood screws) are used to attach prefabricated components, then the assembly process is simple, but the sealed prefabricated components cannot be securely fastened to each other or to site-constructed elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a threaded fastener system as an intermediary mechanism between sealed prefabricated components. The fastener includes an external threaded portion that engages with an internally threaded coupler, creating a reliable mechanical connection that works with sealed components. The coupler is received within a recess in the first component and secures the second component, serving as a mediator that enables fastening without compromising the sealed nature of the components.
2Ease of operation
If manual assembly with cover plates is used for plumbing connections, then the components can be connected, but the process requires significant manual labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded fastener system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The externally threaded fastener portion engages with the internally threaded coupler through simple rotational motion, allowing the components to secure themselves without requiring manual manipulation of cover plates or complex assembly procedures. The spring mechanism provides automatic engagement force, reducing the need for manual intervention.
3Strength
If threaded fasteners are used to secure prefabricated components, then structural integrity is improved, but the complexity of the fastening system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into distinct functional components: an externally threaded fastener portion for engagement, an internally threaded coupler for receiving the fastener, and a spring mechanism for providing engagement force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability. The modular design enables easy installation and replacement without requiring complex integrated systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A threaded fastener actuator that includes a worm-gear used to transfer rotational power to an impeller gear. The impeller gear includes a polygonal channel for receiving an actuator feature included in a threaded fastener. As the worm-gear is rotated, the impeller gear rotates about a vertical movement axis, which causes the threaded fastener contained in polygonal channel to also rotate and engage with a corresponding threaded coupler.