Fitting device for joining members

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing coupling mechanism between crosspieces and uprights in cabinets is awkward, especially in confined spaces, and results in increased weight due to the need for large sections to ensure structural stability, making it difficult for operators to access and tighten screws from inside the cabinet.

Innovation Solution

A fitting device with a dihedron-shaped structure featuring perpendicular walls, retaining blocks, and lock screws that allow for external access and tightening, providing a semi-closed profile for members with a double J-shape, reducing the section size and weight while maintaining structural rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If member section is increased to ensure structural stability, then structural rigidity is improved, but weight increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidweight of members
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the structural function into two parts: the members themselves and the fitting device. By introducing the fitting device with dihedron structure and retaining blocks, the members can have reduced section sizes while the fitting device provides the necessary structural stability and rigidity through its geometric configuration and locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite system combining members with semi-closed profiles and a separate fitting device structure. This composite approach allows optimization of each component - members can be lighter with semi-closed sections while the fitting device provides the structural reinforcement needed for stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Weight of moving object

If members have semi-closed shape with reduced section, then weight is reduced, but access for tool operation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of membersVSAvoidaccess for tool operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the fitting device as an intermediary element between the members and the locking mechanism. The fitting device with its dihedron structure and retaining blocks provides external access points for tool operation, mediating between the semi-closed member shape and the need for easy tool access from outside the cabinet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2881009B1Fitting device for joining members
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 ETA SA
  • EP2881009B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A fitting device (100) for joining members, comprising a plurality of walls (110, 120, 130) respectively perpendicular to one another and identifying a rear zone; each wall (110, 120, 130) comprising a first surface (111, 121, 131) facing said rear zone and a second surface (112, 122, 132) opposite said first surface, configured to enable retention of members (300, 400) having a semi-closed shape; said device (100) comprising retaining means (170) insertable between terminal lateral portions of said members having a semi-closed shape so as to be retained in an area substantially delimited by said semi-closed shape, said terminal lateral portions of the members defining respective edges (600) associated to each second surface (112, 122, 132) of said plurality of walls.