Flat-Bar Connector with Undercut Anchoring for Tight-Space Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for mechanically fastening components are often complex, costly, and do not provide a reliable connection, especially when space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional or flat bar-shaped connector with engagement elements that anchor into undercuts of coupling grooves, utilizing a kinematic coupling and urging body to ensure secure fastening, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connectors are used to mechanically fasten components, then connection reliability can be achieved, but the connector structure becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional elements: a body portion that interfaces with the coupling groove, and an engagement element that anchors into the undercut. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for its specific function, achieving reliable anchoring without overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement element is extracted as a separate functional component from the connector body. This extraction allows the engagement element to be specifically designed for anchoring into the undercut while the body portion handles the coupling groove interface, reducing the complexity of the overall connector structure
2Reliability
If traditional connectors are used to mechanically fasten components, then connection reliability can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into functional portions that can be manufactured using different processes optimized for each. The body portion can be manufactured by injection molding or extrusion, while the engagement element can be formed through deformation or separate molding, allowing cost-effective manufacturing of each segment according to its specific requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows for parameter changes in material selection and manufacturing process parameters. The body portion and engagement element can be made from different materials or the same material with different processing, enabling optimization of manufacturing cost while maintaining the reliability needed for the application
3Reliability
If connectors with engagement elements are used to anchor in undercuts, then secure fastening is achieved, but the connector requires significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The connector utilizes the groove depth direction (third dimension) for anchoring through the undercut, rather than requiring additional space in the groove width or length directions. This dimensional approach allows secure fastening while minimizing the connector's footprint in the plane of the coupling groove
4Ease of operation
If connectors are designed for easy assembly and disassembly, then ease of operation improves, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement element is designed to be movable relative to the connector body, allowing it to be inserted into and removed from the undercut. This dynamic design enables easy assembly and disassembly operations while the engaged position provides reliable mechanical anchoring through the undercut geometry
Data Source
AI summary
A connector mechanically fastens a first component to a second component. The first component has at least a first coupling groove which has a first undercut, effective along a groove depth direction. The second component has at least a second coupling groove which has a second undercut, effective along a groove depth direction. The connector is plate-like or flat-bar-like. The connector has a first engagement element for anchoring in the first undercut and a second engagement element for anchoring in the second undercut. The connector has an urging member for positioning at least part of the first engagement element in the first undercut and at least part of the second engagement element in the second undercut. The urging member is kinematically coupled to the first engagement element and the second engagement element. A component connection also includes the first component, the second component, and a connector of this type.