Comb Connector for Planar Polygonal Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction kits and connectors face challenges in providing secure, cost-effective, and easy-to-connect solutions for building structures, particularly with planar polygonal shapes.
Innovation Solution
A construction system utilizing comb connector elements that connect to the edges of planar polygonal shapes, allowing for the creation of three-dimensional structures by combining various polygonal members, including regular and irregular shapes, with features like recesses and ridges for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connectors are used in construction kits, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the connection reliability and ease of assembly are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two distinct components: a male connector with protruding tabs and a female connector with recesses. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using cost-effective processes while ensuring reliable engagement through the complementary tab-and-recess geometry, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates self-aligning and self-latching features where the male tabs automatically engage with the female recesses without requiring external alignment tools or additional fastening operations. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable connections while minimizing manufacturing complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If complex connectors with multiple features are used, then connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the connector into male and female components with simple geometric features (tabs and recesses), the design achieves reliable connections without requiring complex single-piece structures. Each component's simplicity reduces device complexity while their complementary nature ensures connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing a complex single-piece connector with integrated features, the invention inverts the approach by using two simple complementary components where the male connector's protruding tabs fit into the female connector's recesses, achieving reliability through simplicity rather than complexity.
3Ease of operation
If traditional assembly methods are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ease of operation and assembly speed are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The self-aligning tab-and-recess mechanism allows operators to simply bring the male and female connectors together, with the geometry automatically guiding proper alignment and securing the connection. This eliminates complex assembly procedures while maintaining high assembly speed, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A construction system uses a comb connector element in combination with flat or generally planar polygonal shapes of various types. The comb connector elements connect to the edges of the planar polygonal shapes. Each comb connector has at least one pair of connector members. Each connector member has a proximal end connected to the polygonal member, and a distal end. Each connector member having a face portion that includes a recess extending from a central region of the face portion. The recess extends to the distal end of the face member.