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 steel hooks are inserted into existing slots in aluminum 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 bridge and notches) that mediates between the steel hook and the aluminum upright. The bridge with notches receives the hook while distributing the load across a wider area of the coupler, preventing the concentrated stress that causes tearing in the aluminum upright.
2Stability of the object's composition
If vertical supports are placed on both ends of drape rods, then structural stability is improved, but the appearance becomes bumpy due to height differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vertical support function from the traditional upright structure and relocates it to the coupler accessory mounted on the upright. This allows the drape rod to be supported at its center by the extendable rod, eliminating the need for vertical supports at both ends and achieving a smooth, uniform appearance while maintaining structural stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If industry standard slots are used for hook insertion, then compatibility is maintained, but the insertion angle is narrow and connection is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the receiving structure from narrow slots to wide notches in the bridge. This maintains compatibility with industry standard hooks while significantly increasing the insertion angle and ease of connection, as the notches provide a much larger opening for hook insertion.
4Device complexity
If fixed length drape rods are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but flexibility in configuration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the drape rod from a fixed-length structure to a dynamic, adjustable-length system. The extendable rod can be extended or retracted to various lengths, and the telescoping mechanism allows for customizable positioning while maintaining structural integrity. This provides flexibility in configuration without excessive complexity.
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.