Angle Connector Locking Mechanism for Fast Frame Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angle connectors require significant rotational movement for fastening and do not effectively lock support profiles together, limiting their efficiency and robustness in constructing frames with a small number of profiles.
Innovation Solution
The angle connector features free ends with cuboid bodies and passive fixing means, such as bolts with conical recesses or closure slots with undercuts, allowing for quick locking with less rotational movement and integrating corner elements to simplify corner construction by using sleeve and locking screw mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional screw fastening is used in angle connectors, then the support profiles can be connected, but significant rotational movement is required for fastening which reduces assembly efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fastening mechanism from traditional screw rotation to a cam-based system where rotational movement is minimized. The cam mechanism converts minimal rotation into significant linear displacement of the fastening element, reducing the rotational effort required during assembly while maintaining secure connection of support profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-thread mechanical system with a cam-based mechanical system. This substitution eliminates the need for extensive rotational movement required by screw threads, while the cam profile provides the necessary mechanical advantage to achieve secure fastening with minimal rotation.
2Reliability
If traditional angle connectors are used, then support profiles can be connected, but they do not effectively lock the profiles together which reduces connection robustness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic locking mechanism where the cam profile enables the fastening element to transition from a loose position to a locked position. This dynamic system provides progressive engagement that ensures secure locking of support profiles while maintaining ease of operation through simple rotational motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the fastening and locking functions into a single cam-based mechanism. The same cam profile that provides mechanical advantage for fastening also creates the locking action that secures the support profiles together, eliminating the need for separate fastening and locking operations.
3Productivity
If complex locking mechanisms are used to achieve rapid locking, then assembly speed improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam-based fastening mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical advantage for fastening, creates a secure locking action, and enables rapid assembly. This multi-functional design achieves rapid locking without requiring complex separate mechanisms for each function, maintaining simplicity while improving assembly speed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables faster and more robust connection of support profiles with reduced rotational effort, allowing for modular construction and easier replacement of damaged corners, enhancing the stability and ease of assembly of frames.
Implementation Method 1
a locking screw (34) with a conical end (35) that can be screwed into the internal thread
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The angle connector (100) has two mutually perpendicular free ends (120, 130) for insertion into an associated cavity of a support profile (10, 20). A passive fixing element (131, 132, 133) is provided at each free end (120, 130) of the angle connector. A complementary active fastening element (40, 44) allows the respective end of the angle connector to be detachably connected to the associated support profile (10, 20) from an outer side of the support profile. A corner element (110) is provided between the mutually perpendicular free ends. Profile elements (111, 112) compatible with the support profiles are provided on the two mutually perpendicular outer sides of the corner element (110), each extending up to the height of the associated surface (55) of the corner element (110).