Aluminum Extruded Frame Curve Module with Tool-Free Coupler

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aluminum-extruded frame parts require significant time, labor, and tools for assembly and disassembly, leading to wear, corrosion, and limited flexibility in forming curved structures, which increases costs and restricts their application in modern environments.

Innovation Solution

An aluminum-extruded frame curve module structure featuring a coupler with a connection bar and block, and a curved board with fitting sections, allowing for screw-free connection and flexible formation of desired angles by rotating components and using positioning grooves and pegs, enabling the assembly of curved structures without fasteners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional connection plates and screws are used to joint aluminum-extruded frame parts, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the assembly and disassembly process consumes large amounts of time and labor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into modular components: aluminum-extruded frame parts with integrated grooves and connection plates with mounting holes are segmented into discrete, pre-fabricated elements that can be quickly assembled without complex fastening procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grooves and mounting holes are pre-formed during manufacturing, and the connection plates are pre-positioned with holes aligned for direct screw insertion, eliminating the need for on-site drilling or complex alignment procedures during assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If screws are screwed into the connection plate for jointing aluminum-extruded frame parts, then the connection is secure, but wear and abrasion damage the surface structure leading to corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidsurface corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful screwing action is extracted and replaced by a friction-based clamping mechanism where the connection plate is caused to move relative to the grooves through screw insertion that pushes the plate against the groove sidewalls, rather than directly screwing into the frame parts themselves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The friction and pressure generated by the screw pushing the connection plate against the groove sidewalls is converted from a potentially harmful surface-damaging force into a beneficial locking mechanism that secures the joint through tight abutting engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If conventional aluminum-extruded frame parts are used with fixed-angle configurations, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the adaptability to curved arrangements and modern environmental requirements is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidcurved arrangement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from fixed rigid joints to dynamically adjustable connections where the connection plate can be positioned at various locations along the grooves, enabling adjustable angles and curved configurations while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The grooves and connection plates are designed with universal compatibility, allowing the same components to be used for both straight and curved arrangements, as well as various joint types (horizontal, vertical, T-shaped, cross), eliminating the need for specialized parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If connection plates are used to joint aluminum-extruded frame parts, then the connection is secure, but disassembling results in non-repeated use of connection plates increasing economic burden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint securityVSAvoidconnection plate waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The connection plates are designed to be recovered and reused after disassembly. The grooves and mounting holes maintain their alignment and integrity, allowing connection plates to be removed and reinstalled for repeated use, reducing material waste and economic burden

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS10626904B2Aluminum-extruded frame curve module structure

Publication Date: 2020.04.21 LIN RUEI HSING

AI summary

An aluminum-extruded frame curve module structure includes at least one coupler and at least one curved board. The coupler includes a connection bar and a connection block connected thereto. A side of the connection block that is not connected with the connection bar is provided with a first fitting section. The curved board has a side that is provided with a second fitting section and an opposite side that is provided with a third fitting section. The second and third fitting sections are selectively connected with the first fitting section of the coupler. In this way, the connection bar of the coupler is connectable with an aluminum-extruded plate and the connection block of the coupler is connectable with the curved board. Two aluminum-extruded plates can be jointed to each other with more than one curved board therebetween to provide a curved form at a desired angle for extension and assembly.