Adjustable Connecting Bracket for Polygonal Aquarium Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aquarium frame assembly technologies are inadequate for constructing unique polygonal-shaped aquariums, as they require connecting brackets with specific angles that are not easily customizable, particularly for shapes with unequal sides, and lack flexibility to secure frame members at various angles from 1° to 180°.
Innovation Solution
A connecting bracket design featuring a base with angled edges and integrally formed members, including tongues that can engage frame members, allowing for secure attachment at angles ranging from 1° to 180°, enabling the construction of polygonal-shaped aquariums using a frame assembly with multiple connecting brackets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If connecting brackets with specific angles (other than 90 degrees) are used to construct polygonal-shaped aquariums, then the aquarium can accommodate unique shapes, but the device complexity increases due to needing different angled brackets for each polygonal shape
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting bracket is designed with adjustable members that can be positioned at different angles relative to each other, allowing a single bracket design to accommodate multiple polygonal shapes (triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.) without requiring different angled brackets for each shape. The bracket can be adjusted to create various interior angles while maintaining the same basic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting bracket incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable members that can be positioned at different angles, transforming a static fixed-angle bracket into a dynamic multi-angle bracket. This allows the bracket to adapt its configuration based on the desired polygonal shape, reducing the need for multiple specialized bracket types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different angled connecting brackets are used to construct polygonal aquariums with unequal sides, then the desired shape can be achieved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to requiring multiple bracket types
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal connecting bracket design with adjustable members can produce multiple different angles and configurations, eliminating the need to manufacture separate bracket types for each angle. This universal bracket can be used for all polygonal shapes with unequal sides, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting bracket allows changes in the angular parameters of its members relative to each other, enabling the same bracket to create different interior angles required for various polygonal shapes. This parameter adjustability means only one bracket design needs to be manufactured, but it can produce multiple different angle configurations.
3Length of moving object
If frame members are secured at 180 degrees to obtain adequate length, then the aquarium size can be increased, but the device complexity increases due to needing specialized 180-degree connecting brackets
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable connecting bracket can be configured to create a 180-degree angle between frame members, allowing frame assemblies to be extended to adequate lengths for larger aquariums. The same universal bracket that creates various polygonal angles can also create straight-line extensions, eliminating the need for specialized 180-degree brackets.
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting bracket is disclosed which includes a base having first and second edges aligned at an angle to one another. A first member extends up from the first edge and a second member extends up from the second edge. Each of the first and second members has an end wall. A first tongue projects outward from the end wall of the first member and a second tongue projects outward from the end wall of the second member. The first and second tongues are designed to engage two frame members. Three or more frame members can be joined together in this fashion to form a frame assembly. A pair of frame assemblies can be used to secure at least three sidewalls of a structure to form an aquarium.