Connector accessory for pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exhibit booths constructed using a hook-and-slot system often have a bumpy appearance due to height differences in vertical and horizontal rods, and industry standard steel hooks tend to tear aluminum uprights when inserted, causing damage.
Innovation Solution
A coupler-mounted connector with a spanning element and lower wedge that secures industry standard hooks at a uniform height, preventing damage to support pipes by allowing wider angled insertion and easier connection, and enabling multiple rods to be connected to a single vertical pipe or coupler.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If industry standard steel hooks are inserted into slots in aluminum uprights, then connection between horizontal rods and vertical supports is achieved, but the steel hooks tear into the aluminum uprights causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupler as an intermediary component between the steel hook and aluminum upright. The coupler has a body that receives the steel hook and a separate mechanism that engages with the aluminum upright, preventing direct contact and damage. The coupler distributes forces across a larger area and provides a transition between the hard steel hook and softer aluminum upright.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: the steel hook for securing the rod, the coupler body for receiving the hook, and the mounting mechanism for attaching to the upright. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while preventing harmful interactions between incompatible materials.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vertical members are positioned at varying heights to accommodate horizontal rods, then connection flexibility is achieved, but the drape walls have a bumpy appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the horizontal rod to be positioned at a consistent height relative to the top of the vertical upright, regardless of the upright's actual height. This creates an equipotential surface for the drape wall tops, eliminating the bumpy appearance while maintaining the adaptability to connect rods of various lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler includes movable or adjustable components that allow height adjustment of the horizontal rod connection point. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to different upright heights while maintaining a uniform appearance, combining flexibility with aesthetic consistency.
3Device complexity
If conventional slots are used in aluminum uprights for hook insertion, then simple connection structure is achieved, but insertion angle is limited and connection is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler features curved or rounded engagement surfaces that guide the steel hook into the correct position during insertion. The curved geometry allows for a wider range of insertion angles compared to straight slots, making the connection process easier and more forgiving of misalignment while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present coupler-mounted connector enables industry standard hooks on horizontal rods to rest at such a height as to provide uniform appearance to the top of drape walls. The coupler-mounted connector includes an adaptor to support couplers for the drape rods to be mounted on a vertically disposed, affixed coupler, such as a coupler on a pipe, a flat-mounted coupler, or any other coupler. The body of the coupler-mounted connector is positioned around the affixed coupler. The coupler-mounted connector includes a spanning element with a lower wedge to mate with the openings in the upper body of the affixed coupler. The coupler-mounted connector is secured in the coupler with the accessories protruding to one or more sides of the coupler-mounted connector. The accessories are connected to the coupler-mounted connector by one or more connection bridges.