Connecting Means With Detachable Locking Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting means for objects or components lack ease of use and reliability in fixing or connecting components, particularly in applications where secure and movable connections are required.
Innovation Solution
A connecting means featuring one or more securing elements formed in one piece with a base body that can be detached and moved into a securing position, utilizing a guiding section and actuating device for easy and secure fixation, with options for additional pins or bolts for enhanced anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If locking elements are formed integrally with the base body, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in detaching and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are pre-formed integrally with the base body in a retracted initial position, ready for operation. The integral formation prepares the structure in advance, while the predetermined breaking point enables easy detachment during use without requiring complex assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed as a separable component that can be detached from the base body at a predetermined breaking point. This segmentation allows the locking element to be initially formed integrally for manufacturing simplicity, yet detached and positioned independently during operation for ease of use.
2Ease of operation
If locking elements are detachable and movable, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential failure in securing
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are pre-positioned in a retracted initial position that is optimal for insertion. After insertion, they can be actuated to extend into the locked position, ensuring reliable securing. The predetermined breaking point ensures consistent detachment behavior for reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are designed to be movable between a retracted initial position and an extended locking position. This dynamic capability allows the elements to adapt to different operational states: retracted for easy insertion, extended for reliable locking, maintaining both ease of operation and security.
3Ease of operation
If locking elements extend beyond the base body in initial position, then ease of insertion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having locking elements extend beyond the base body in the initial position for easy insertion, the invention inverts this approach: the locking elements are retracted into the base body in the initial position, and extend beyond it in the locking position. This inversion simplifies the structure while maintaining ease of insertion through the retracted state.
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to create a connecting means for fixing and/or connecting objects or components, in particular for connecting furniture parts or machine parts, which connecting means comprises one or more connecting elements which can be easily and reliably fixed in or to one or more components, it is proposed that the connecting means comprises at least one connecting element which can be fixed in or to a component and comprises the following: a base body and one or more securing elements, wherein the one or more securing elements are designed in one piece with the base body, in an initial position of the connecting means, wherein the one or more securing elements can be detached from the base body by destroying a predetermined breaking region between the base body and the one or more securing elements and wherein the one or more securing elements for fixing the base body in or to the component can be brought out of the initial position into a securing position.