Adjustable Edge Connector for Thickness Tolerance and Fastener Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge connectors struggle to adapt to different component thicknesses without causing internal alignment errors, as they either spread apart or require complex adjustments that lead to misalignment and reduced fastening efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A two-part edge connector with flat legs that are movably connected via a pivot axis, allowing adjustable distance and orientation to accommodate various thicknesses, featuring a fastening thread and tolerance compensation elements to ensure proper alignment and secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the two opposing legs of the connector are permanently connected via a film hinge to accommodate different thicknesses, then the connector can adapt to various component thicknesses, but the legs spread apart causing misalignment of the fastening element with the component opening
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a permanently hinged structure to a dynamically adjustable structure where the distance between legs can be modified. The adjustment element enables the legs to be positioned at different distances from each other, allowing the connector to adapt to various component thicknesses while maintaining proper alignment of the fastening element through controlled adjustment rather than permanent flexible connection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of distance between the two legs from a fixed value to an adjustable value. By incorporating an adjustment element that allows the distance to be modified, the connector can adapt to different component thicknesses while preventing the spreading and misalignment issues that occur with permanently hinged structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between opposing legs is made adaptable to component thickness, then the connector can fit different thicknesses, but alignment errors occur between the fastening element and component opening
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical film hinge system with an adjustment element mechanism. This substitution eliminates the spreading and misalignment problems inherent in hinged structures by using a controlled adjustment system that modifies the distance between legs without causing rotational misalignment of the fastening element
3Adaptability or versatility
If a film hinge connects the two legs to allow flexibility for different thicknesses, then the connector can accommodate varying thicknesses, but the fastening element becomes misaligned and cannot be properly fastened
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is transformed from a statically hinged structure to a dynamically adjustable structure. The adjustment element allows the distance between legs to be modified based on component thickness requirements, ensuring that the fastening element remains properly aligned and the fastening operation can be completed reliably without the misalignment issues caused by film hinges
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector for at least a first and a second component having a distance therebetween, especially an at least two-piece edge connector, comprising the following features: a first leg having a first opening as a first part and a second leg having a second opening as a second part which are connected movably to each other by means of a one-sided form-fit connection so that a distance between the first and the second leg is freely adjustable in a given interval and a component with a component opening is receivable between the first and the second leg and the connector is fastenable by means of a fastening element in the component opening.