Bracket Sleeve Adapter Locking for One-Motion Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing frame adapter connection systems require a second movement to secure the frame adapter relative to the frame casing, complicating both manual and mechanical assembly.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a stop and securing lug in the recesses of the frame adapter that engage with the pocket's lateral delimiting webs, allowing secure attachment in one direction and preventing displacement in all three coordinate directions, with optional additional fixation methods like gluing or welding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the frame adapter is connected using conventional plug-in connections, then assembly is simplified, but an additional securing movement is required to prevent loosening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidnumber of assembly movements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing lug is designed to be resilient and movable during insertion, automatically transitioning from a non-securing position during insertion to a securing position after insertion. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for a separate securing movement while maintaining connection security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The securing lug is pre-positioned on the frame adapter such that during the single insertion movement, it automatically engages with the pocket's lateral delimiting web. This preliminary positioning ensures that the securing action occurs as part of the insertion process itself, rather than requiring a subsequent separate action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the frame adapter is securely fixed in one direction, then connection reliability improves, but assembly complexity increases due to additional securing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The securing lug automatically performs the securing function through its own resilient deformation during insertion. The component serves itself by using its material resilience to create the locking action without requiring external intervention or additional assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion movement and securing action are merged into a single operation. The tongue insertion and securing lug engagement occur simultaneously during one continuous movement, eliminating the need for separate securing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Shape

If fastening means are placed inside the frame shell, then appearance is improved, but assembly verification becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidassembly verification
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The securing lug provides tactile feedback during assembly through its resilient deformation and engagement with the pocket. The assembler can feel when the securing lug has properly engaged with the lateral delimiting web, providing verification without requiring visual inspection of hidden fastening means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The securing lug's engagement with the pocket's lateral delimiting web creates a self-verifying mechanism. The resilient nature of the securing lug provides immediate feedback through deformation and engagement forces, allowing the assembler to confirm proper assembly without exposing the fastening means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Simplifies the assembly process by ensuring the frame adapter is fixed in one direction, eliminating the need for additional securing movements and reducing the risk of noise from play between components, while maintaining a clean appearance by hiding all fastening means inside the frame shell.

Implementation Method 1

the resilience of the material of the frame adapter and, if applicable, of the frame cover being used here to move the respective securing lug on the outside over the edge regions of the pocket into its securing position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResilience: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2490570B1Bracket sleeve having at least one bracket adapter
Publication Date: 2014.08.20 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2490570B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2490570B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2490570B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a bracket sleeve (5) having a U-shaped or approximately U-shaped cross-section and at least one bracket adapter (6) that is connected to the sleeve on an inner face of a lateral limb (5a) of the bracket sleeve (5) by means of plug connections (7), wherein each of the plug connections (7) substantially consists of a pocket (8) provided on the lateral limb (5a) and a tongue (9) on the bracket adapter (6) that can be inserted in said pocket (8) and runs transversely to the longitudinal extension of the bracket sleeve (5), and each of the tongues (9) is located in the region of a recess (10), wherein each recess (10) is provided with a stop (10a) extending transversely to the insertion direction of the tongue (9), said stop being seated against a first lateral delimiting rib (8a) of the pocket (8), and each recess (10) has a securing lobe (10b), which rests against a second lateral delimiting rib (8b) of the pocket (8) so as to engage the same, whereby the tongue (9) is secured against being pulled out of the pocket (8).