Film-Hinge Connection Fitting for Stable Low-Cost Clamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting fittings for clamping connections between components are not cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
The connecting fitting incorporates a film hinge mechanism with a clamping screw and an abutment, allowing engagement parts to spread apart when the screw is tightened, securely anchoring the fitting by clamping against recess walls, and utilizing a single-piece plastic injection-molded design with asymmetrical screw channels to enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional multi-part connecting fitting design is used, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but production cost increases and manufacturing complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate components (engagement part, web, and abutment) into a single integrated injection-molded plastic body. This merging eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for these components, directly reducing production cost and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the functional integrity of the connecting fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-piece plastic body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support as a web, enables engagement through the engagement part, and provides clamping functionality through the integrated abutment. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If engagement parts are rigidly connected to the web, then structural stability is improved, but clamping force and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid connections with a film hinge mechanism that allows controlled movement and deformation. The film hinge enables the engagement part to pivot and the abutment to move during clamping, providing adaptability to different component geometries while maintaining structural stability through the rigid plastic body framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The film hinge is implemented as a thin, flexible plastic section that connects the engagement part to the web. This thin film structure provides the necessary flexibility for clamping motion while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to transmit clamping forces effectively.
3Ease of manufacture
If symmetrical screw channels are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but screw migration occurs and clamping precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetrical screw channel profiles with different friction characteristics on each side. This asymmetry creates differential friction forces that actively counteract screw migration during tightening, improving clamping precision and reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through injection molding.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and stable clamping mechanism that securely anchors components together, ensuring easy handling and assembly, while minimizing screw migration and enhancing clamping force.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the engagement parts is connected to the web via a film hinge
Implementation Method 2
the engagement part and the abutment delimit a tapered screw channel and the engagement part can be spread apart from the abutment in the manner of an expansion dowel when the clamping screw is screwed into the screw channel
Implementation Method 3
the frictional forces occurring on the walls of the screw channels when screwing in the clamping screws can be different for the profile on the side of the engaging part, on the one hand, and for the profile on the side of the abutment, on the other
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Connecting fitting for clamping the connection of two butt-jointed components (10), each of which has a recess (16, 18) in a main surface, which connecting fitting (20) has a web (22) that can be laid flat on the main surfaces, on which two engagement parts (24, 26) are arranged for engagement in each of the recesses (16, 18), wherein at least one of the engagement parts (24, 26) is pivotally held on the web (22) and can be clamped against a wall of the recess by means of a clamping device (32, 36, 38), characterized in that the at least one of the engagement parts (24, 26) is integrally connected to the web (22) via a film hinge (28).