Extendable coupler accessory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhibit booth systems using hook-and-slot technology suffer from a 'bumpy' appearance due to height differences, and the steel hooks tend to tear the aluminum uprights, requiring vertical supports on both ends of drape rods.
Innovation Solution
An extendable coupler accessory that mounts on a pipe or rod, allowing industry standard hooks to rest at a uniform height, preventing tearing, and enabling customizable horizontal drape rod lengths without opposing vertical supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If industry standard steel hooks are inserted into existing slots in aluminum vertical uprights, then horizontal drape rods can be mounted, but the steel hooks tend to tear the aluminum uprights in a can opener effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the coupler accessory with reinforced slot and keeper mechanism) between the steel hook and the aluminum vertical upright. This intermediary distributes the load and prevents the hook from directly tearing the upright, thus maintaining both ease of mounting and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: the vertical upright, the coupler accessory with reinforced slot, the horizontal rod, and the keeper mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a system that prevents damage to the vertical uprights.
2Stability of the object's composition
If vertical supports are placed on both ends of drape rods for stability, then the structure gains rigidity, but the appearance becomes bumpy due to height differences of vertical members
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler accessory acts as an intermediary that connects the horizontal drape rod to the vertical upright at a standardized height. This mediator ensures that all horizontal rods are mounted at consistent elevations, creating a uniform appearance while maintaining structural stability through the reinforced connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The design establishes equipotentiality in terms of mounting height across all vertical members. By using the coupler accessory with standardized dimensions and attachment points, all horizontal rods are positioned at the same effective height, eliminating the bumpy appearance while preserving structural integrity.
3Manufacturing precision
If narrow industry standard slots are used for hook insertion, then precise positioning is achieved, but insertion becomes difficult and requires significant force
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler accessory features a pre-formed reinforced slot with optimized geometry that guides the hook during insertion. The slot is preliminarily shaped to accommodate the hook's path, reducing insertion resistance while maintaining precise positioning. The keeper mechanism is also pre-positioned to engage the hook automatically upon insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot dimensions and geometry in the coupler accessory are optimized parameters that balance insertion ease with positioning precision. The reinforced slot has modified dimensions compared to standard slots, with increased width at the entrance for easier hook insertion and precise tapering toward the engagement point to ensure accurate positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
The extendable coupler accessory mounts on a coupler affixed to a vertical pipe. The extendable coupler accessory has a nested set of rods that are extendable into a horizontal cantilever position by an extension mechanism. The extendable coupler accessory has an adapter with a bridge that engages with the coupler and prevents the cantilevered rods from tipping vertically or twisting horizontally. The extendable coupler accessory when attached to the coupler by the bridge maintains a horizontal cantilever position with an affixed load.