Connecting device and method for connecting two components
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for furniture and mechanical components are either complex to manufacture or fail to provide a stable and reliable connection between components.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a main body featuring distinct openings for insertion, fixing, and actuation of a fixing element, such as a screw, allowing for secure and accessible assembly, including anchoring sections and positioning projections for precise alignment and anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single opening is used for both insertion and actuation of the fixing element, then the device structure is simpler, but the actuation becomes difficult and the visual appearance is less appealing
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the main body is segmented into two distinct openings: an insertion opening for inserting the fixing element and an actuating opening for actuating the fixing element. This segmentation allows each opening to be optimized for its specific function, making actuation easier while maintaining a clean visual appearance when the fixing element is installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element acts as an intermediary between the insertion opening and the actuating opening. During insertion, it passes through both openings; during actuation, it is accessed through the actuating opening while remaining secured by the insertion opening. This intermediary role enables separate optimization of insertion and actuation functions.
2Shape
If the actuating opening is made narrow for aesthetic purposes, then the visual appearance is improved, but the insertion and actuation of the fixing element becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the opening into an insertion opening and an actuating opening, each can have different dimensions optimized for its function. The actuating opening can be narrow and aesthetically pleasing, while the insertion opening can be larger to facilitate easy insertion of the fixing element.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the main body have different opening characteristics: the insertion opening region has a larger opening for ease of insertion, while the actuating opening region has a narrower opening for aesthetic purposes. This local differentiation of qualities allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
3Shape
If the fixing element is fully embedded in the main body, then the visual appearance is cleaner, but the actuation and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating opening serves as an intermediary access point that allows tools to reach the fixing element for actuation and maintenance without requiring the fixing element to be fully exposed. This enables the fixing element to remain mostly embedded for visual cleanliness while still being accessible when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the fixing element to be actuated and maintained through the actuating opening without requiring disassembly or complex access procedures. The opening is positioned and sized to enable straightforward self-service maintenance while maintaining a clean embedded appearance when not in use.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to provide a connecting device for connecting two components, which is simple to manufacture and enables a stable and reliable connection of the two components, it is proposed that the connecting device comprises a main body which comprises a receiving channel extending through the main body for accommodating a fixing element, wherein the receiving channel is preferably accessible at one end by way of an insertion opening of the main body and/or preferably at a (further) end by way of a fixing opening of the main body, wherein the main body preferably further comprises an actuating opening that is different from the insertion opening and/or the fixing opening, by way of which in particular the fixing element arranged in the receiving channel is preferably accessible for the actuation thereof.