Cubic Metal Connector Assembly for Tool-Free Structural Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems for large metallic structures, such as furniture, face challenges in quick assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity and safety, especially due to physical limitations and high costs associated with geographical movement and assembly of monolithic structures.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising a vertex cubic connector and a socket, both made of metallic materials, which allows for manual assembly and disassembly without tools. The system features a cubic central body with studs and a socket with longitudinal notches and chamfers for precise fitting, along with rotational locking mechanisms using balls and springs to ensure stability and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If monolithic structures are used for large furniture, then structural integrity is maintained, but movement and geographical relocation become difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The furniture structure is divided into multiple modular components (rods, connectors, sockets) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The vertex cubic connectors with studs and sockets allow individual segments to be connected, providing both mobility and structural integrity when assembled.
2Ease of operation
If modular connection systems are used for easy assembly, then movement and reconfiguration become simple, but structural robustness and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is pre-inserted into the rod before the vertex cubic connector is attached. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and positioning, allowing the connector to be manually coupled and rotated into place without requiring tools, while maintaining structural robustness through precise pre-positioning.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional connection systems are used, then structural stability is achieved, but assembly and disassembly require special tools and time
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is designed to be self-servicing through its manual operation mechanism. The vertex cubic connector with its rotation feature allows users to assemble and disassemble the structure without special tools - the connector is simply inserted and rotated by hand, making the system easy to operate while maintaining stability.
4Reliability
If metallic monolithic structures are used, then durability and safety are ensured, but geographical movement becomes expensive and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic structure is segmented into multiple components connected by vertex cubic connectors and sockets. This segmentation allows the furniture to be easily disassembled for geographical relocation while maintaining the durability and safety of the metallic materials throughout the structure.
5Adaptability or versatility
If multiple assembly-disassembly cycles are performed, then adaptability and reconfiguration are improved, but wear and deterioration of connection parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism replaces traditional threaded or welded mechanical systems with a rotation-based coupling system. The vertex cubic connector is inserted into the socket and secured by rotation, eliminating the need for tools and reducing mechanical wear. This allows multiple assembly-disassembly cycles while maintaining connection durability and structural 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
The connection system enables quick and efficient assembly and disassembly of large metallic structures while maintaining robustness and stability, ensuring safety and durability over time, even with multiple assemblies and disassemblies.
Implementation Method 1
a locking spring arranged to compress by the action of the ball when the vertex cubic connector stud is inserted into the socket
Implementation Method 2
arranged to compress by the action of the ball that is in contact with the stud of the vertex cubic connector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present description relates to a connection system and respective assembly method comprising at least one vertex cubic connector, at least one socket with a cavity for receiving said connector, and at least one rod with a hollow at one end of the rod for receiving and fasten said socket, in direct and continuous longitudinal contact with the socket; wherein the vertex cubic connector comprises at least one stud for inserting and rotating within said cavity; wherein said stud protrudes from a cube face of said cubic connector; wherein said stud comprises one or more pins at an end distal to said face; wherein said pins extend radially from said stud; wherein said socket comprises longitudinal grooves in the cavity arranged so that said pins slide therein and wherein the grooves terminate in bearing surfaces to hold the pins when the stud is rotated relative to the socket; wherein the socket and the stud are configured so that the face abuts directly against the end of the rod, when the cubic connector is assembled in the socket and the socket is assembled in the rod.