Two-Piece Corrugated Connector With Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for corrugated materials fail to securely and efficiently connect panels or sheets, leading to instability and movement, which compromises the structural integrity and strength of the corrugated structures.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece connector system comprising a male connector with offset locking tongues and a female connector with U-shaped receiving slots and locking clips, allowing for secure attachment and additional support to corrugated materials, with the male connector's ledges sliding into the female connector's slot and locking clips securing the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing connectors are used for corrugated materials, then the connection process is simple, but the structural integrity and stability of the connected materials deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate pieces: a male connector with ledges and locking tongues, and a female connector with a receiving slot and locking clips. This segmentation allows each piece to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity of the connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The male connector's ledges slide into the female connector's receiving slot, with the locking tongues fitting into corresponding recesses. This nesting arrangement creates a compact, integrated connection structure that enhances stability without requiring complex external components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If existing connectors are used for corrugated materials, then the connector design is simple, but the connected materials become unstable and movable
Solution Approach 1:
The male connector includes pre-formed ledges and locking tongues positioned to engage with the female connector's receiving slot and locking clips before final assembly. This preliminary configuration ensures proper alignment and stable connection upon joining.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tongues and locking clips are designed to automatically engage with each other when the male and female connectors are joined, providing self-locking functionality that stabilizes the connection without requiring additional fastening actions or complex mechanisms.
3Strength
If existing connectors are used for corrugated materials, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the connection strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the connector into male and female pieces allows each to be manufactured using simple, standard processes suitable for corrugated materials, while the combined structure provides enhanced connection strength through multiple engagement points (ledges in slot, locking tongues with clips).
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system combines the male and female pieces to create a composite connection structure that leverages the strengths of both components, achieving superior connection strength while maintaining ease of manufacture using conventional corrugated material processing techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-piece connector for connecting two pieces of corrugated material. A first connector piece configured to connect to a first piece of corrugated material includes a flange connected to a first connecting mechanism. A second connector piece configured to connect to a second piece of corrugated material includes a second connecting mechanism configured to cooperate with the first connecting mechanism of the first connector piece.