Elbow Joint Connector With Expanding Lock for Stronger Handrail Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular handrail systems face connection strength and durability issues at joints, particularly under loading stresses and temperature changes, with existing solutions failing to provide adequate radial holding forces and ease of assembly/disassembly.
Innovation Solution
The elbow joint connector employs a locking mechanism with divergent and convergent translating locking members and a bolt system to apply radial holding forces, allowing for manual tightening/loosening and increased material at common failure points, using lightweight plastic components that press-fit into hollow metal members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If hollow metal members are used to reduce material cost and weight, then weight and material cost are reduced, but connection strength and durability at joints deteriorate under loading stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The elbow joint connector uses a composite construction combining a plastic outer housing with an integrated metal reinforcement cage. This composite structure provides both the weight reduction benefits of plastic and the strength requirements of metal, resolving the contradiction between lightweight construction and joint strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal reinforcement cage is strategically positioned at the elbow joint connection points where stresses are highest. This localized reinforcement provides strength exactly where needed without adding metal throughout the entire handrail system, maintaining weight reduction while improving connection strength.
2Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then connection durability may be maintained, but assembly and disassembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism features self-aligning components including a spring-loaded latch that automatically engages with the adjoining member when the elbow joint is inserted. The spring mechanism provides automatic resetting and locking without requiring manual intervention, reducing assembly time while maintaining secure connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: an insertable elbow joint portion, a detachable wedge, and a spring-loaded latch. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling quick assembly by simply inserting the elbow joint and triggering the automatic latch engagement.
3Strength
If more material is added at common failure points to improve connection strength, then connection strength improves, but weight and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic outer housing provides structural form and corrosion resistance while the integrated metal reinforcement cage provides localized strength at connection points. This composite approach achieves high connection strength without using solid metal throughout, avoiding unnecessary weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal reinforcement cage is concentrated specifically at the elbow joint connection regions where failure is most likely to occur. This localized placement of high-strength material provides reinforcement exactly where needed without adding weight to non-critical portions of the connector.
4Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded latch automatically engages and disengages based on the insertion and removal motions of the elbow joint. The spring mechanism provides automatic resetting without requiring separate locking or unlocking actions, simplifying the user interface while maintaining secure connections through the self-actuating latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism combines multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the elastic element provides both the locking force and the resetting mechanism, the latch provides both the engagement feature and the visual indicator, and the wedge provides both the insertion guide and the trigger for latch engagement. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system.
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
This solution enhances connection strength, durability, and safety by distributing loads across a larger surface area, reducing material weight and assembly time, while maintaining ease of use and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
apply radial holding forces to adjoining members with increased material at common failure points
Implementation Method 2
Divergent translation of the pair of locking members relative to one another along the interface increases a portion of an outer periphery of the locking mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An elbow joint connector includes an elbow portion and a locking mechanism detachably coupled to a distal end of the elbow portion. The locking mechanism including a pair of locking members translatable relative to one another along an interface transverse to a longitudinal axis of the elbow joint connector. Divergent translation of the pair of locking members relative to one another along the interface increases a portion of an outer periphery of the locking mechanism to lock the elbow portion to an adjoining member. The elbow joint connector is configured for detachable coupling to an adjoining elbow joint connector and pivotally rotatable relative thereto from a first configuration in which respective center axes of the connectors form an acute angle to a second configuration in which the respective center axes are collinear.