Display Frame Connector With Ramp Locking for Stable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display connector systems require significant planning, skill, and force for assembly, are prone to slacking due to wear, lack visual confirmation of secure attachment, and increase weight and cost, especially when trying to construct complex three-dimensional shapes with multiple beams and panels.
Innovation Solution
A connector system featuring a male part with a cruciform head and oppositely inclined ramps for progressive tightening and alignment, allowing secure engagement with a female part having a cruciform aperture, reducing the need for complex orientation and force, and enabling easier construction with reduced weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional bayonet fittings are used to join beams and node fittings, then the connection provides structural stability, but significant force is required to rotate the fitting and skill is needed for proper orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a male part with a head and stem, and a female part with an aperture, allowing simplified insertion and rotation without requiring significant force or skill
Solution Approach 2:
The ramps on the male part interact with the profiled inner face of the female part to provide progressive tightening and alignment during rotation, acting as an intermediary mechanism that guides the connection process
2Strength
If significant force is applied to rotate the bayonet fitting to ensure a tight joint, then the connection is secure, but wear and damage can occur over time causing the connection to become slack
Solution Approach 1:
The ramps and profiled inner face automatically provide progressive tightening and alignment during the rotation process, eliminating the need for excessive force and reducing wear on the connection components
Solution Approach 2:
The ramps are designed to distribute the tightening force progressively during rotation, preventing sudden stress concentrations that could lead to wear or damage over time
3Strength
If traditional bayonet fittings are used, then the connection can be made securely, but it is not immediately obvious whether the beams are securely attached since the external appearance is similar whether locked or not
Solution Approach 1:
The connector components are provided in different colors to provide immediate visual confirmation of secure attachment and proper orientation during assembly
4Weight of moving object
If the display weight is reduced to lower transportation costs and improve safety, then cost and safety improve, but traditional aluminum extruded beams require steel tape to be fixed on multiple sides for magnetic panel attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates the beam joining function with the panel attachment function, eliminating the need for separate steel tape components and simplifying the overall structure while reducing weight
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 connector system simplifies the assembly process, provides a secure and stable connection with reduced weight and manufacturing time, and minimizes the risk of slacking due to wear, while allowing for easier orientation and reduced material usage.
Implementation Method 1
the opposing faces of the wall and the noses are provided with oppositely inclined ramps which act to provide progressive tightening and alignment of the connector as the bearing face and the stem and the noses of the male part are rotated together
Implementation Method 2
the inner face of the wall being profiled to engage the noses when the male part is rotated within the aperture
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The connector is intended for use in displays of the kind which include a display frame formed of a plurality of beams (1) which are joined together by multi-way node fittings to form a three-dimensional shape, and display panels are releasably secured to the beams. The connector includes a male fitting (3) which has a stem (8) projecting from a plate (4), and a head (9) comprising four noses which project laterally from the stem. The head (9) is inserted in a correspondingly-shaped aperture of a female node fitting and rotated into positive engagement with the inner face of the node fitting. The trailing faces of the four noses have oppositely-inclined ramps which act to provide progressive tightening and alignment of the connector as the male part is rotated within the aperture. The connector provides a joint with greater stability and enables a firm connection to be obtained with a smaller angle of rotation and reduced engagement force. The strength of joint is less dependent on manufacturing tolerances and the connection is less likely to become slack due to wear or damage. Modified male fittings have threaded sockets for attaching feet and other items to the display, and caps are provided to cover any unused apertures in the node fitting.