Component Connector Layout for Secure Fixing Element Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for furniture and mechanical components lack simplicity in manufacturing and reliability in providing a stable connection between components.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a main body featuring distinct openings for insertion, fixing, and actuation of a fixing element, allowing for secure and accessible assembly, including a receiving channel, insertion opening, fixing opening, and actuating opening, which enables easy handling and reliable connection of two components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single opening is used for insertion and actuation of the fixing element, then the device structure is simpler, but the handling comfort and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the connecting device is divided into two distinct functional 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, improving handling comfort and reliability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the actuating opening is made narrow for aesthetic purposes, then the visual appeal is improved, but the accessibility for actuation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating opening is designed with non-circular cross-sections that are complementary to the outer contour of the fixing element. This local quality optimization ensures that the opening provides sufficient accessibility for actuation tools while maintaining a visually appealing and space-efficient appearance. The specific geometric shape is tailored to match the fixing element profile.
3Reliability
If the fixing element is fully enclosed in the main body, then the connection is more secure, but the actuation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The main body is segmented with two separate openings: the insertion opening allows the fixing element to be inserted and positioned within the receiving channel for secure connection, while the actuating opening provides accessible entry for actuating the fixing element. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both secure enclosure and operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating opening serves as an intermediary access path that allows actuation tools to reach the fixing element without compromising the secure enclosure provided by the main body structure. The receiving channel acts as an intermediary space that guides and secures the fixing element while allowing controlled access through the openings.
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.