Adapter Section Connection Using Form-Fitting Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connections between adapter parts in modular carrying devices for tools and workpieces are inefficient due to the need for a specially designed connection clamp to transmit forces, which complicates construction and strength, and lack precise rotational angle reproducibility.

Innovation Solution

A form-fitting part, such as a disk with radially distributed projections, is used to directly engage between the adapter parts for non-rotatable fixing, allowing for a standard connection clamp design that axially and radially fixes the parts, enabling stable and reproducible connections with minimal special components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a specially designed connection clamp is used to transmit forces between adapter parts, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into two independent functional parts: the connection clamp handles axial and radial fixing, while the form-fitting part (with protrusions and recesses) handles torque transmission and rotational locking. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without requiring the connection clamp to be specially designed for torque transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The form-fitting part acts as an intermediary element between the two adapter parts, providing the torque transmission function that would otherwise require a complex connection clamp design. This intermediary component enables the connection clamp to remain simple while still achieving strong, non-rotatable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If a form-fitting part is introduced for non-rotatable fixing, then the rotational angle reproducibility is improved, but the quantity of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational angle reproducibilityVSAvoidquantity of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The form-fitting part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides non-rotatable fixing through its protrusions and recesses, enables precise rotational angle positioning through its geometric features, and transmits torque between adapter parts. This multi-functionality means that while an additional component is introduced, it consolidates several functions that would otherwise require multiple separate components or complex designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If the connection clamp is designed to transmit torque, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of assembly and accessibility is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission capabilityVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the torque transmission function into the form-fitting part, the connection clamp is simplified to only perform clamping and positioning functions. This segmentation makes the connection clamp easier to assemble and install, as it does not require complex torque transmission features that would be difficult to access in hard-to-reach areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2778492B1Connection of two adapter sections of a modular support structure
Publication Date: 2015.06.17 UNIVER
  • EP2778492B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2778492B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2778492B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a connection between two adapter parts (1, 2) of a modularly constructed support device for carrying tools, workpieces, or the like, wherein each adapter part (1 or 2) has a projection (17 or 18, respectively), and a connecting clamp (30) which engages behind the projections (17, 18) positioned facing each other on opposite sides of the projections (17, 18) and secures the projections (17, 18) axially and radially to each other, and a device (25) for rotationally securing the projections (17, 18) to each other. According to the invention, in such a connection, the device (25) for rotationally securing the projections (17, 18) to each other comprises a positive locking element (25) which is arranged between the two projections (17, 18) and engages positively in the two projections (17, 18) to secure them against rotation.The invention enables the creation of a stable connection between two adapter parts with a largely standardized design of the adapter parts. This connection comprises a small number of individual components.