Connecting Element Housing With Separate Access Openings
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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 stable 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 accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The single opening is segmented into three distinct functional openings: insertion opening for inserting the fixing element, actuating opening for actuating the fixing element with a tool, and fixing opening for fixing the fixing element. This segmentation allows each opening to be optimized for its specific function, improving handling comfort and accessibility.
2Shape
If the actuating opening is made narrow for aesthetic purposes, then visual appeal is improved, but accessibility for tool insertion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating opening has different width characteristics at different locations: it is narrower at the outer contour for visual appeal, but wider at the inner side to accommodate tool insertion and fixing element actuation. This local variation in opening dimensions resolves the contradiction between aesthetics and functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If the fixing element is fully enclosed in the main body, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but accessibility for actuation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The main body is segmented with three distinct openings that provide different levels of accessibility: the insertion opening allows full access for inserting the fixing element, the actuating opening provides controlled access for tool insertion, and the fixing opening allows visibility and access for fixing operations. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while ensuring operational accessibility.
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.