Three-sided corner assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Structural frames in automation equipment, buildings, and furniture often experience loosening of nut and bolt combinations due to vibration and environmental factors, leading to compromised integrity and rotation of frame members, which affects alignment.
Innovation Solution
A three-sided corner assembly that mechanically interlocks first and second frame members using angled bolt-receiving bores and nuts, along with an alignment rail system, to prevent rotation and ensure self-alignment, while being simple to utilize and adaptable for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If nut and bolt combinations are used to secure frame members, then the frame members can be assembled together, but the connections loosen over time due to vibration and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The corner assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: a corner body with perpendicular sidewalls, plate members with mounting rails, and alignment features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to create a stable, non-loosening connection that prevents frame member rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner assembly acts as an intermediary component between frame members, providing a rigid L-shaped connection body with integrated alignment rails and slots. This intermediary structure mechanically interlocks the frame members in a fixed perpendicular relationship, preventing the loosening that occurs with direct nut-and-bolt connections.
2Productivity
If traditional corner pieces are used to join frame members, then the frame can be constructed, but the frame members and components rotate with respect to one another, compromising alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The corner assembly includes pre-formed alignment rails and slots that establish the correct perpendicular alignment between frame members before the final fastening occurs. The mounting rails on the plate members are pre-positioned to guide the frame members into proper alignment, ensuring precision is built-in during assembly rather than requiring post-assembly adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment rails and slots create a self-aligning mechanism where the frame members automatically position themselves correctly relative to each other during assembly. The mechanical interlocking features guide the members into the precise perpendicular orientation needed, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or procedures.
3Reliability
If mechanically interlocking corner assembly is used to prevent rotation, then alignment and stability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated corner assembly: the L-shaped body provides structural support and perpendicular positioning, mounting rails enable secure attachment to frame members, alignment rails ensure precise positioning, and slots accommodate adjustment mechanisms. This consolidation achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing complexity, as all features work together in a unified component.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural connector, an alignment device, a positioning mechanism, and a fastening system. The perpendicular sidewalls provide both structural support and alignment references, while the integrated rails and slots handle both attachment and positioning tasks, reducing the need for separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A corner assembly for interconnecting first and second frame members. A first plate member includes an outer face having a mounting rail projecting therefrom which is receivable in a slot in the first frame member and a bolt-receiving bore therethrough extending along a first axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A second plate member includes an outer face generally perpendicular to the outer face of the first plate member and having a mounting rail projecting therefrom which is receivable in a slot in a second frame member. The second plate member including a bolt-receiving bore therethrough extending along a second axis at an acute angle to the outer face of the second plate member. A central portion interconnects the first and second plate members and has a mounting surface and a bore extending therethrough. The mounting surface including an alignment rail projecting therefrom. A corner has a first sidewall configured to abut a terminal end of the first frame member, a second sidewall configured to abut a terminal end of the second frame member, and a mounting wall having a slot therein adapted for receiving the alignment rail of the central portion.