Universal Bucket Connectors for Structural Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for versatile and efficient connectors that can utilize five-gallon buckets to create various structural elements such as benches, stepstools, tables, and shelters, as traditional materials like sawhorses and scaffolding are not always readily available or suitable for all applications.

Innovation Solution

The development of connectors that allow five-gallon buckets to be coupled to each other, the ground, dimensional lumber, and pipes, enabling the creation of diverse structures without requiring tools or modifications to the buckets, through various attachment methods such as snap fits, latches, and screws, and accommodating different sizes and orientations of lumber and pipes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional materials like sawhorses and scaffolding are used, then structural elements are available, but they are not readily available or suitable for all applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different applicationsVSAvoidavailability of materials

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed to serve multiple functions: connecting buckets to each other, connecting buckets to lumber, and connecting buckets to pipes. This universal connector allows a single component to replace multiple specialized tools (sawhorses, scaffolding), providing versatility across different applications while using readily available five-gallon buckets as the base material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If connectors require tools or modifications to buckets, then strong connections are achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates a self-adjusting mechanism with a cam member and slot that allows the connector to self-lock onto the bucket and lumber without requiring additional tools. The cam member rotates to engage the slot, creating a secure connection automatically, which eliminates the need for screws, nails, or other fastening tools while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The connector acts as an intermediary component that bridges the bucket and the lumber or pipe. It provides a standardized interface that accommodates variations in bucket and lumber dimensions through its adjustable geometry, ensuring reliable connections without requiring modifications to either the bucket or the lumber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If connectors accommodate different sizes and orientations of lumber and pipes, then versatility is improved, but connector complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different lumber sizes and orientationsVSAvoidconnector design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the cam member and slot mechanism, allowing the connection point to be repositioned along the slot to accommodate different lumber sizes and orientations. This dynamic adjustment is achieved through simple rotational motion of the cam member rather than complex mechanical systems, maintaining relative simplicity while providing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9828162B2Components to allow buckets to be used as structural or alternative elements

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 PRIMORDIAL SOUP

AI summary

A set of connectors connects buckets, such as five-gallon buckets, to each other, to the ground, to dimensional lumber, and/or to pipe for the purpose of producing objects such as benches, stepstools, tables, sawhorses, shelters, platforms, etc.