Expansion-Arm Connector Structure for Quick Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for frame structures, such as those using clamping blocks and bolts, face issues like gaps leading to relative movement, increased disassembly force due to rust, damage from load impacts, and larger sizes for adjustment, which affect reliability and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a socket and bolt featuring expansion arms and an expansion bolt that generates an expansion force to securely connect components, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly without tools, reducing the overall size, and distributing load through friction, preventing sudden separation and impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clamping groove size is larger than the clamping block to allow movement space, then the clamping block can move freely, but gaps are formed between the clamping groove and clamping block causing relative movement and affecting service performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the movement function from the gap between clamping groove and clamping block, and implements it through a dedicated guiding groove structure. The clamping block is equipped with a guiding groove that guides its movement, while the clamping groove has guiding ribs that provide precise positioning. This separates the movement guidance function from the connection function, allowing the clamping block to move freely without creating harmful gaps.
2Reliability
If a larger pulling force is applied to separate the bolt from the socket during disassembly, then the connection reliability is improved, but the clamping block structure may rust and become difficult to disassemble after use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic approach to the disassembly process by introducing a wedge-shaped forcing groove. When the forcing groove is inserted, it gradually expands the clamping block through a wedging action, creating a mechanical advantage that reduces the pulling force needed. The wedge shape transforms a small insertion force into a large expansion force, making disassembly easier even when rust is present.
3Device complexity
If the load is fully borne by the clamping block in a connected state, then the connection is simple, but the clamping block structure is easily damaged by impact loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing a forcing groove that can be inserted before impact loads occur. This groove acts as a stress relief channel that prevents sudden impact loads from being fully transmitted to the clamping block. The groove allows controlled deformation and stress distribution, cushioning the clamping block against shock and impact forces.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the bolt length is set longer to realize distance adjustment within a larger range, then the adjustability is improved, but the overall size of the connector becomes larger which is not conducive to installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the bolt length adjustable rather than fixed. The bolt can be extended or retracted within the socket according to the required distance, allowing large adjustment range without permanently increasing the connector size. When not in use, the bolt can be retracted to minimize the overall dimensions, making the connector compact and easy to install.
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 ensures reliable, quick, and adaptable connections with improved stability and reduced size, enabling easy manual operation and enhanced safety against sudden loads, while eliminating the need for a bolt base, thus simplifying installation and use.
Implementation Method 1
the socket and the bolt are tightly connected through friction generated by the acting end opening the expansion arms
Data Source
AI summary
A connector and a frame structure using the same, wherein the connector at least comprises a socket, a bolt and an expansion bolt; the socket comprises a connection end, and a slot, which extends along a length direction of the socket from an end surface of the connection end, is provided on the socket; the bolt comprises a bolt main body that is adapted to the slot, a front end of the bolt main body is provided with at least two expansion arms, and the bolt main body is internally provided with an expansion channel which traverses the bolt main body along a length direction; and the expansion bolt comprises an expansion bolt main body that matches the expansion channel, a front end of the expansion bolt main body is provided with an acting end that interacts with the expansion arm, and the socket and the bolt are tightly connected by means of an expansion force that is generated by the acting end opening the expansion arms. The aforementioned connector achieves quick disassembly and assembly, and also has the advantages of reliable connection, convenient disassembly and assembly and long service life.