Attic Stair Connector with Integrated Locking Bracket

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for structural elements, such as attic stairs, do not allow for simple and quick detachment of components while preventing unintentional detachment, and often require additional locking elements.

Innovation Solution

A connector comprising a bracket with a latching foot and a flat bar terminating in a hook, where the bracket is mounted in a hole with a lock that includes a locking foot and couplings, allowing the articulated component to be detached by tilting it vertically and locked in a tilted position, using a pin and coaxial opening to secure the connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing connectors are used to attach structural components, then the connection is secure, but the detachment process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring additional locking elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachment simplicityVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the locking function and connecting function into a single integrated connector structure. The lock element is built into the bracket assembly, eliminating the need for separate locking components. This merging allows the connector to provide both secure attachment and simple detachment through a unified mechanism, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the lock element can transition between locked and unlocked states. The bracket includes a lock element that engages with the flat bar to prevent unintentional detachment, but can be easily disengaged when needed. This dynamic capability allows the connector to maintain security during normal use while enabling simple detachment when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If additional locking elements are added to prevent unintentional detachment, then connection security improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is merged into the bracket structure itself rather than being a separate component. The bracket includes an integrated lock element that works together with the flat bar's hook to provide secure connection. This integration maintains high connection security while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from adding separate locking elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design allows the bracket and flat bar to lock together through their own geometric features without requiring external locking mechanisms. The lock element in the bracket and the hook in the flat bar are designed to engage automatically, providing self-locking functionality that ensures connection security without adding component complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the connector uses a simple structure for quick detachment, then ease of operation improves, but the ability to prevent unintentional detachment worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachment speedVSAvoidanti-detachment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector uses a dynamic lock element that can quickly transition between locked and unlocked states. During normal use, the lock element maintains secure engagement to prevent unintentional detachment. For detachment, the user simply needs to move the articulated component to a vertical position, which automatically triggers the lock element to disengage, enabling quick and simple detachment while maintaining security during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector operates in periodic cycles of locking and unlocking. The lock element remains engaged during the operational phase to prevent unintentional detachment, and transitions to an unlocked state during the detachment phase when the articulated component is positioned vertically. This periodic action ensures both connection security and easy detachment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Reliability

If the connector requires components to be aligned in specific positions for detachment, then unintentional detachment is prevented, but the detachment process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unintentional detachmentVSAvoiddetachment process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector uses the natural movement of the articulated component (moving from tilted to vertical position) to trigger the detachment mechanism. The lock element is designed to respond automatically to this positional change, disengaging when the component reaches the vertical position. This dynamic response to positional change provides reliable prevention of unintentional detachment while keeping the detachment process simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4249716B1Connector for articulated and fixed components of a structural element, and in particular for attic stairs

Publication Date: 2024.10.16 FAKRO PP SPOLKA Z O O

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Figure 3a~3b

AI summary

The connector for articulated and fixed components of a structural element is constructed out of at least one bracket and at least one flat bar (7, 10) with a latching element, wherein the bracket and flat bar (7, 10) are designated for mounting on components of a structural element and the bracket includes pin (8) seated in a seat in flat bar (7, 10) latching element (71).