Expandable Gripper Bracket for Tool-Free Modular Shelving Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing modular construction system is not user-friendly, requiring multiple components and tools for assembly, which complicates the connection of plates.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system with gripper elements that expand to establish a friction coupling with plates and other brackets, allowing for easy connection and disconnection without the need for bolts, featuring a gripper element that enlarges in one direction for activation and reduces in the other for deactivation, and a protrusion element for interlocking with similar brackets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bracket system with expandable gripper elements is used to connect plates, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper element is designed to be dynamically changeable in size - it can expand to engage with the plate hole and contract to release from it. This dynamic transformation allows a single component to perform multiple functions (engagement and release) without requiring separate tools or complex assembly procedures, thereby improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through intelligent design
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper element changes its physical parameter (diameter) in response to activation state. When activated, it enlarges to establish friction coupling with the plate; when deactivated, it reduces diameter to release. This parameter change enables the bracket to transition between locked and unlocked states using the same component, simplifying the overall assembly process
2Reliability
If friction coupling is used to connect brackets to plates, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper element's ability to dynamically adjust its diameter compensates for variations in hole dimensions. By expanding to match the actual hole size rather than requiring a precise fixed-size fit, the system achieves reliable friction coupling without stringent manufacturing precision requirements, resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single bracket type is used for all connections, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple connection tasks. The foot portions with gripper elements can connect to plates, and the protrusion elements can interlock with other brackets, allowing a single bracket type to serve multiple purposes in the modular construction system, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through design integration
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 bracket system simplifies the connection process, reduces the number of required components, and allows for flexible assembly and disassembly without tools, enhancing user-friendliness and versatility in modular construction.
Implementation Method 1
the gripper element is configured for enlarging a diameter in at least one direction in a plane parallel to the plate to obtain a friction coupling between the bracket and the plate
Implementation Method 2
the bracket further comprises an elastic member coupled to said at least two arms, said elastic member configured to store and release mechanical energy to drive said at least two arms between an expanded position and a retracted position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a bracket (10,20) for use in a modular construction system, wherein plates (5) are mechanically connected in a releasable manner to form a structure. The plates (5) are provided with at least one hole (7) in a part thereof, wherein the hole (7) is configured for being coupled to the bracket (10,20). The bracket (10,20) comprises: i) at least two foot portions (12,22) for being coupled to respective plates (5), wherein each foot portion (12,22) comprises a gripper element (13,23) for being inserted into the hole (7) of the plate (5) and ii) a linking member (11,21) connecting the at least two foot portions (12,22) and establishing a predefined fixed distance and a predefined fixed relative orientation between said foot portions (12,22). The gripper element (13,23) is configured for enlarging a diameter in at least one direction in a plane parallel to the plate (5) to obtain a friction coupling between the bracket (10,20) and the plate (5) or between the bracket (10,20) and a further bracket (10,20) provided from another side of the respective plate (5), when activated in operational use, and for reducing the diameter of the gripper element (13,23) in a first direction (D1) of the plane parallel to the plate (5) to release the bracket (10,20) from the plate (5), when deactivated in operational use.