Groove Connector with Conical Bolt Alignment Against Slip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for wooden components with grooves and fittings are prone to movement in the longitudinal direction, leading to potential disconnection, and existing solutions are mechanically complex and costly for mass production.
Innovation Solution
A connector system using a plate-shaped fitting with a slot and a bore, combined with a bolt having a conical end that aligns and presses the fittings together, providing a firm connection through internal friction and elastic material alignment, optionally with threaded openings and latching mechanisms for additional security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fitting is inserted into a groove with arc-shaped undercuts and secured by undercuts, then the fitting can be anchored on the component, but the fitting can move in the longitudinal direction of the groove causing components to potentially fall apart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bolt as an intermediary element that passes through the component and fitting to create a positive mechanical interlock. The bolt acts as a mediator that prevents longitudinal movement of the fitting while maintaining the groove-anchoring system, thereby resolving the contradiction between anchoring stability and connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the groove for lateral anchoring, the fitting with opening for bolt passage, and the bolt itself for longitudinal constraint. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally without compromising overall connection reliability
2Reliability
If an eccentric or drive shaft with locking hook is added to prevent fitting movement, then the fitting cannot slide out in longitudinal direction, but the structure becomes mechanically complex and costly for mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of preventing longitudinal movement from the complex eccentric/drive shaft mechanism and implements it through a simple bolt passing through the fitting's opening. This extraction reduces the connector structure to its minimum necessary elements, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt represents a simple, inexpensive, and easily replaceable component compared to complex eccentrics or drive shafts. This approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacture for mass production while achieving the same reliability function through a simpler means
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 connector system achieves a long-lasting, secure, and inexpensive connection between components, preventing slipping and disconnection, while being suitable for low-cost mass production and versatile in material and design applications.
Implementation Method 1
a bolt which has a conical end and can be passed through the bore, the first and second opening in order to align them exactly with each other
Implementation Method 2
by utilizing the basic elasticity of the material of the fittings and/or the component
Implementation Method 3
which does not loosen even while in operation due to its internal frictional and pressing forces
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connector for two components, the first component of which has a groove with a bore crossing the groove. The connector comprises a plate-shaped first fitting with a slot and a first opening crossing the slot, which first fitting can be inserted into the groove under an at least approximate alignment of the first opening with the bore, a second fitting which can be anchored on the second component and has a fin and a second opening passing through the fin, which fin can be inserted into the slot under an at least approximate alignment of the second opening with the first opening, and a bolt which has a conical end and can be passed through the bore, the first and the second opening in order to align them exactly with each other.