Elastic Coupler Orientation for Single-Handed Securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupler securing systems require two hands to operate and pose safety concerns due to unintentional contact, being complex and expensive to implement.
Innovation Solution
A coupler orientation system with an elastic orientation member that allows the coupler to pivot and return to a perpendicular position relative to a structure surface, enabling single-handed securement and preventing damage or injury by creating a gap between the coupler and the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional latch system is used to secure couplers, then the coupler can be retained securely, but two hands are required to operate it and safety concerns arise from unintentional contact
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed to automatically orient itself perpendicular to the structure surface using elastic biasing forces, eliminating the need for manual positioning by a second hand. The coupler self-adjusts to the correct orientation through the elastic portions of the latch mechanism, enabling single-handed operation while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic portions of the latch are pre-configured to exert biasing forces that automatically orient the coupler perpendicular to the structure surface before the user completes the securing action. This preliminary orientation eliminates safety concerns by ensuring the coupler is properly positioned and stable from the outset, preventing unintentional contact.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a reinforcing bar with elastic contact portion is used, then the coupler position is prevented from moving, but the system becomes complex and expensive to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex metal reinforcing bar structure and replaces it with simplified elastic portions integrated into the latch mechanism. The elastic portions are extracted from a separate reinforcing component and built into the latch itself, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining coupler position stability through elastic biasing forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal (requiring reinforcing bars) to elastic material that can deform and exert restoring forces. This parameter change allows the coupler to be retained stably without complex metal structures, as the elastic portions naturally resist displacement through their elastic properties.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the coupler is designed to lay flat against the structure surface, then unintentional contact is prevented, but single-handed operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed with dynamic orientation capability, allowing it to pivot and adjust its angle relative to the structure surface. The elastic portions enable the coupler to move from a flat position during insertion to a perpendicular position for secure retention, providing both ease of single-handed operation and prevention of unintentional contact through proper final positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular orientation as an additional degree of freedom, allowing the coupler to be positioned not only in terms of insertion depth but also in terms of angle relative to the structure surface. By orienting the coupler perpendicular to the surface rather than flat against it, the system achieves both single-handed operability and unintentional contact prevention.
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
Facilitates single-handed securement of couplers while preventing damage or injury from unintentional contact, offering a cost-effective and easy-to-implement solution.
Implementation Method 1
The orientation member is configured to elastically orient a coupler substantially perpendicular to the surface of the structure
Implementation Method 2
the respective resilient or elastic portions urge the coupler to return to its default orientation substantially perpendicular to the structure surface
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed toward a coupler orientation system. In some embodiments, the coupler orientation system includes an orientation member that enables a coupler to pivot relative to a surface of a structure to which the coupler is fixed while resiliently orienting the coupler substantially orthogonal to the surface. Accordingly, the orientation member facilitates securing objects with a single hand.