Curved Locking Connector for Damage-Free Component Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting means for components, such as furniture or machine parts, often require additional fastening methods to prevent unintentional loosening and can cause damage during assembly due to high insertion forces and manufacturing tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A connecting means featuring curved contact surfaces and pivotable holding elements that allow for relative movement between the holding element and the housing, enabling secure and detachable connections while accommodating positional tolerances without the need for precise alignment or high insertion forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If connecting elements use hook-shaped heads pushed into one another laterally for connection, then the connection can be established, but additional fastening screws or adhesive are required to prevent unintentional loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connection function and the locking function into a single integrated mechanism. The holding element with curved support surface works together with the groove base to provide both connection and prevention of unintentional loosening, eliminating the need for separate fastening screws or adhesive.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element is designed to be movable relative to the housing, allowing it to transition between a release position (allowing assembly/disassembly) and a holding position (preventing unintentional loosening). This dynamic mechanism replaces static additional fastening elements.
2Reliability
If connecting elements are locked together in such a way that they can no longer be detached, then unintentional loosening is prevented, but detachability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element transitions between a holding position (preventing unintentional loosening) and a release position (allowing intentional detachment). This dynamic mechanism maintains reliability during normal use while preserving adaptability for controlled disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection means provides its own locking and unlocking functionality through the holding element mechanism, eliminating the need for separate locking devices that would permanently fix the components together.
3Strength
If self-tapping projecting edges are used to anchor fitting halves, then secure anchoring is achieved, but the side walls of components may break away due to high insertion forces
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element features a curved support surface that is circular arc-shaped in longitudinal section, matching the circular arc-shaped groove base. This curved geometry distributes insertion forces evenly along the arc, preventing concentration of stress that would cause side wall breakage, while still achieving secure anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometry of the contact surfaces from flat or sharp edges to curved surfaces with specific radii of curvature. This parameter change allows the holding element to rock into position gently, reducing peak insertion forces while maintaining anchoring strength.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is required for connecting elements, then connection accuracy is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase due to tolerance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The curved support surface of the holding element and the circular arc-shaped groove base allow for a rocking motion during assembly. This curved geometry provides guidance and self-alignment, compensating for positional tolerances and reducing the need for precise pre-alignment, thereby decreasing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies radii of curvature for the holding element and groove base that are coordinated to work together. This parameter coordination creates a tolerance-compensating mechanism that maintains connection accuracy without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances or lengthy alignment procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The aim of the invention is to provide a connection means for connecting a first component to a second component, especially for connecting pieces of furniture or parts of machines, said means comprising a first connection element arranged on the first component when the components are connected, and a second connection element arranged on the second component when the components are connected, at least one of the connection elements having a curved bearing surface in the form of the arc of a circle in a longitudinal section, and enabling a secure connection of the two components, without causing any risk of damage to the two components during the assembly thereof. To this end, the first connection element and the second connection element are detachably connected when the components are connected, and at least the first connection element comprises a housing and at least one holding element that can move in relation to the housing of the first connection element, said holding element co-operating with the second connection element in a holding position in such a way that a relative movement of the first connection element and the second connection element along the direction of connection is prevented, and a relative movement of the first connection element and the second connection element along the direction of connection is allowed in a released position. At least one holding element can be moved, by an action external to the connection means, from the holding position into the released position and/or from the released position into the holding position, and the housing (188) of the first connection element has a curved bearing surface (190) in the form of the arc of a circle in a longitudinal section, and an essentially plane positioning surface (194) which can be applied to the second connection element (186) and is located opposite the bearing surface (190).