Connector With Raised Projections For Hollow Frame Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting hollow frame members in furniture, such as welding or using custom extrusions, are labor-intensive, costly, and require skilled alignment, often resulting in unsightly welds and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A connector with deformable ends and raised projections that deform to create a tight, internal engagement with hollow frame members, eliminating the need for additional fixing and allowing for easy assembly of frame assemblies using extruded aluminum or other materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to connect hollow frame members, then the connection strength is improved, but the appearance quality deteriorates due to unsightly welds requiring buffing and polishing
Solution Approach 1:
A connector acts as an intermediary component between hollow frame members, providing a mechanical connection that eliminates the need for welding. The connector features protrusions that engage with recesses in the frame members, creating a strong joint without visible weld marks, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance while ensuring structural strength.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom extrusions are used to connect frame members, then the connection precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into separate components: a connector and frame members with recesses. This allows the connector to be manufactured using standard extrusion processes with precise geometric features (protrusions and recesses) that enable accurate alignment and connection, while avoiding the need for expensive custom extrusions of entire frame assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector uses geometric parameters such as the shape and dimensions of protrusions and recesses to achieve precise connection. By optimizing these geometric parameters during the design phase, the system achieves high connection precision using cost-effective standard extrusion processes rather than expensive custom tooling.
3Manufacturing precision
If skilled alignment techniques are used for frame member connection, then the connection accuracy is improved, but the labor time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector and frame members are designed with self-aligning features where the geometric shape of protrusions and recesses automatically guides proper alignment during assembly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for skilled alignment techniques and reduces labor time, as the components naturally orient themselves correctly during the connection process.
4Reliability
If multiple connection methods (welding, screwing, brackets) are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a universal connection component that can be used to join various types of hollow frame members through a single standardized interface. The protrusion-recess mechanism provides reliable connection for different frame configurations without requiring multiple specialized connection methods, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing connection of hollow frame members without the need for welding or custom extrusions, reducing labor and material costs while ensuring precise alignment and a smooth finish.
Implementation Method 1
The end of the hollow frame member is deformable such that it deformed about the projection during fitment. This deformation results in a very tight fit about the projection
Implementation Method 2
The raised portions on the outer surface thereof which in use internally engages the end of the hollow frame member. The raised portions may be in any suitable form and may be in the form of multiple teeth, knobs or the like.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (11) for connection to a hollow frame member (12) the connector having at least one projection (17) for receiving a complimentary end of the hollow frame member, the projection having raised portions (19) on an outer surface thereof and the projection is dimensioned relative to the hollow frame member such that force is required to fit the hollow end over the projection and during fitting the hollow end of the frame member is deformed about the projection so as to be internally engaged by the raised portions.