Compressible Vertical Connector Genderless Construction Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connector systems rely on gender-specific designs, which can limit flexibility and versatility in construction assemblies, as they require specific male and female components for mating, restricting adaptability and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

The development of compressible attachment members with a protrusion that can change dimensions under pressure, allowing for engagement and locking within apertures through deformation and return to original shape, enabling a genderless connection mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional gender-specific connector designs are used, then specific male and female components can be mated, but flexibility and versatility in construction assemblies are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and versatilityVSAvoidgender-specific component requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector design eliminates the distinction between male and female components by providing universal attachment members with compressible protrusions that can engage with apertures in any orientation. The same connector type can be used for all connections, making the system genderless and highly versatile for various construction assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector utilizes compressible material that changes its physical parameters under pressure. The protrusion compresses during insertion to pass through the aperture, then expands to lock in place. This dynamic parameter change enables the connector to adapt to different aperture shapes and sizes while maintaining a single universal design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a compressible protrusion is used to engage apertures, then the connector can lock securely, but the protrusion must deform during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure lockingVSAvoidinsertion process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector employs a dynamic insertion process where the protrusion transitions from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state for locking. The compressible material allows the protrusion to dynamically adjust its dimensions, compressing to fit through the aperture and expanding to engage securely, providing both ease of insertion and reliable locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The compressible protrusion is designed with inherent cushioning capability that absorbs the impact and stress of insertion. The material's compressibility provides a cushioning effect during the insertion process, protecting both the connector and the aperture from damage while enabling secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the protrusion head area is larger than the aperture area, then the connector can lock effectively, but the protrusion must be compressed significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking effectivenessVSAvoidcompression force required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The connector design incorporates a preliminary compression action where the protrusion is pre-compressed to a manageable level before insertion. This preliminary action reduces the peak compression force required during insertion while ensuring the protrusion head is sufficiently compressed to pass through the aperture and expand for effective locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution provides a flexible and adaptable connection method that allows for secure locking and easy assembly, as the compressible protrusion can fit various aperture shapes and sizes, enhancing the versatility and stability of construction assemblies.

Implementation Method 1

The attachment members are connected by pressing the compressible protrusion head through an aperture and threading the protrusion head from one side of the aperture to the other. Threading the protrusion head into the aperture requires the deformation of the protrusion head. After traversing the aperture, the protrusion head returns to its initial or non-deformated shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9724618B2Compressible vertical connector

Publication Date: 2017.08.08 PALZIV

AI summary

The present invention relates to construction assemblies or modules. There are attachment members that are connected by pressing an elastic protrusion head through an aperture and threading the protrusion head from one side of the aperture to the other. As the area of the aperture is smaller than area of front projection plane of the protrusion head, threading the protrusion head into the aperture requires the deformation of the protrusion head. After traversing the aperture, the protrusion head returns to its non-deformated shape, and the protrusion neck is settled within the aperture.