Bracket Assembly Self-Centering Groove for Secure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in carrier arrangements for signs, particularly used in construction sites, face difficulties in assembly due to soiling and deformation, making it challenging to securely and easily connect the carrier profiles.
Innovation Solution
The receiving section of the first carrier profile is widened at the end face with a groove-like formation that tapers in the longitudinal direction, allowing for self-centering insertion of the second carrier profile, and a latching mechanism with a resiliently held latching element ensures secure locking without manual intervention, facilitating easy assembly and preventing twisting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the carrier profiles are designed for secure connection, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly difficulty increases due to soiling and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The groove-like formation is pre-formed in the receiving section to create a self-centering funnel shape. This preliminary geometric preparation guides the insert section during assembly, compensating for soiling and deformation that would otherwise prevent proper alignment and secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove-like formation acts as an intermediary geometric feature between the insert section and the receiving section. It provides a transition zone that facilitates insertion while maintaining the secure connection function, bridging the gap between ease of assembly and connection strength requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the receiving section is widened at the end face, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The groove-like formation creates a localized widening only at the end face of the receiving section where insertion is needed. The tapering design concentrates the geometric modification to the minimal necessary area, preserving the structural integrity of the main carrier profile body while facilitating easy insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove-like formation introduces a dimensional transition from the end face inward, creating a funnel-shaped three-dimensional geometry. This dimensional change provides the widening effect for easy insertion while the tapering maintains the overall structural strength by gradually transitioning to the original cross-section.
3Reliability
If a latching mechanism is added to lock carrier profiles, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the carrier profiles without requiring external actuation or complex control systems. The resilient latching element self-activates during insertion, providing reliable locking while minimizing the complexity of the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is integrated with the groove-like formation and carrier profile structure, merging the locking function with the existing geometric features. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The arrangement has a support profile (2) inserted in a hollow profile-like receiving section (3) of another support profile (1) on a front side by an attachment section (7) of the former profile. An outer cross-section of the former profile is adapted to an inner cross-section of the receiving section. Slot-like openings (4) are formed at the receiving section and extend from a front side (5) of the latter profile in a longitudinal direction (6) of the latter profile. A locking mechanism (12) includes a locking element (13), which is attached to the attachment section.