Flat Bar Connector With Eccentric Actuation for Tight-Space Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors are not suitable for use in constrained spaces and do not provide a reliable connection in asymmetrical applications.
Innovation Solution
A plate-shaped or flat bar-shaped connector with eccentrically arranged actuation interfaces and engagement elements that engage undercuts in workpieces, allowing for a compact, reliable, and easy connection, even in asymmetrical configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connectors are used to mechanically connect workpieces, then the connection provides high reliability through undercuts, but the connector cannot be used in constrained spaces due to its size and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a head portion and a shank portion. The head portion contains the engagement features (protrusions or recesses) that interact with the undercut, while the shank portion is a slender element that fits into the coupling groove. This segmentation allows the connector to engage reliably through the head while maintaining a compact overall size through the slender shank.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes the groove depth direction (third dimension) by extending the shank portion along the groove depth from the groove opening toward the groove base. This dimensional approach allows the connector to achieve reliable engagement through the undercut at the groove base while maintaining a compact footprint in the plane of the workpiece surfaces.
2Reliability
If traditional connectors are used to mechanically connect workpieces, then the connection provides high reliability through undercuts, but the connector design is complex and difficult to adapt to asymmetrical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with inherent asymmetry between the head portion and shank portion, and the engagement features (protrusions or recesses) are specifically configured to match asymmetrical undercut geometries in the coupling grooves. This asymmetric design allows the connector to adapt to asymmetrical workpiece configurations while maintaining simple manufacturing through conventional groove formation methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector mechanically connects a first workpiece and a second workpiece. The connector is plate-shaped or flat bar-shaped and has a first engagement element for engaging a first undercut of a first coupling groove and a second engagement element for engaging a second undercut of a second coupling groove. Moreover, the connector has an actuation body for selectively bringing the connector in a connection state in which the first engagement element is positioned to engage the first undercut and the second engagement element is positioned to engage the second undercut, and for selectively bringing the connector in a release state in which the first engagement element is configured to be withdrawn from the first undercut and the second engagement element is configured to be withdrawn from the second undercut. An actuation interface is provided on the actuation body. The actuation interface is arranged eccentrically along an insertion direction (D). Moreover, an assembly has the first workpiece, the second workpiece and the connector. Additionally, a method operates a connector.