Clip-and-Lock Frame Assembly to Eliminate Torque-Induced Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional frame assembly systems are cumbersome and prone to mechanical integrity issues due to the incorrect application of screws or bolts, leading to potential distortion and mechanical failure, especially in frames like shower cubicles where incorrect torque can cause jammed doors or structural damage.
Innovation Solution
A novel connection system using clip arrangements with resilient materials and a connection lock element that clips and locks frame components together without the need for screws or bolts, ensuring a secure and reliable assembly by utilizing clip projections and abutments with a locking pin to prevent incorrect alignment and flexure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws or bolts are used to fix frame components together, then the frame components can be joined, but the assembly becomes cumbersome and prone to mechanical integrity issues due to incorrect torque application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes screws, bolts, and torque-applying tools from the assembly system, replacing them with a tool-free clip arrangement. The connection lock element with locking pin extracts the fastening function from traditional threaded fasteners, eliminating the need for torque measurement and power tools while maintaining secure connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip arrangement with resilient clip projections and locking pin enables self-service assembly without requiring external power tools or specialized knowledge of torque specifications. The system is designed to be assembled by hand through simple clipping and locking actions, making the assembly process self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on additional appliances.
2Reliability
If conventional screw or bolt fixing means are used, then frame components can be connected, but the process is time-consuming and may lead to incorrect torque application causing mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical screw-bolt-thread system with a clip-based mechanical interlocking system. The resilient clip projections engage with corresponding features on frame components, and the locking pin secures the connection, substituting the multi-step threading and torque-application process with a single snap-fit locking action that is both faster and more reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of connection establishment from torque-controlled threaded fastening to position-controlled clip engagement. The locking pin transitions the clip arrangement from a flexible clipped state to a rigid locked state, providing immediate visual and tactile confirmation of proper connection without requiring torque measurement or iterative adjustment.
3Strength
If power tools are used to deliver sufficient torque to screws or bolts, then secure fastening is achieved, but additional appliances and power supply are required making the process inconvenient and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from power tool-dependent systems and implements it through a purely manual clip-and-lock mechanism. The locking pin provides the necessary securing force through mechanical leverage and resilient engagement, eliminating the need for electric screwdrivers, hammer drivers, or any power tool infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin acts as an intermediary that transforms the flexible clipped state into a rigid locked state, providing the necessary mechanical security without requiring external power sources. The resilient clip projections serve as intermediaries that absorb assembly tolerances and provide automatic engagement, simplifying the overall system while maintaining connection strength.
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
The system provides a quick, easy, and secure method for assembling frames, eliminating the risks associated with screw or bolt application, ensuring the mechanical integrity of the frame and preventing issues like jammed doors or structural damage.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one clip projection is composed of a resilient flexible material and capable of flexing transverse to the longitudinal axis of the at least one clip projection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~4B
AI summary
A system for joining frame components, wherein a first and a second frame component has respectively a first and second endpiece configured to fit together, the system comprising at least one clip arrangement, each of the at least one clip arrangements comprising, on a first endpiece, a clip abutment and, on a second endpiece, a clip projection configured to clip on to, in a clipped state, the clip abutment, the system further comprising a connection lock element, configured to mate with the first endpiece and the second endpiece, when the at least one clip projection and the at least one clip abutment are in the clipped state, the connection lock element comprising at least one locking pin located, when the connection lock element is in the mated position, immediately adjacent the at least one clip projection, on the side of the clip projection opposite the clip abutment.