Joining means for joining a first part to a rectangular tube or beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting means for rectangular tubes or beams, such as those used in bed frames, often require significant effort to detach and lack secure clamping in both horizontal and vertical directions, with wedge effects causing difficulties in releasing the connection.
Innovation Solution
A connecting means featuring guide mechanisms that specify the movement of receiving elements to clamp and release the pipe or beam, using contact surfaces and link guides to ensure secure clamping and easy detachment without tools, replacing the wedge effect with controlled clamping forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If wedge-shaped hooks with trapezoidal sections are used to create a secure connection, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of detachment deteriorates because considerable force is required to remove the plate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into two independent functions: the L-shaped hooks provide vertical clamping and positioning, while the separate clamping lever with cam mechanism provides horizontal securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without the drawbacks of the integrated wedge design, enabling easy release by simply disengaging the clamping lever.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a wedge shape that requires force to overcome for removal, the invention uses a cam mechanism where the clamping lever can be easily lifted to disengage. The cam's geometry provides automatic locking in the engaged position but allows simple release by overcoming a small latch, inverting the force requirement from removal to engagement.
2Reliability
If a clamping lever with cam and spring-loaded latch is used to secure the connection, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded latch automatically engages with the notched lever to secure the clamped position without requiring additional components or complex mechanisms. The system is self-regulating, using the spring force to maintain engagement and automatically disengaging when the lever is lifted, providing reliable operation with minimal complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If drilling holes into the rectangular tube is required for hook engagement, then the manufacturing precision is improved for secure positioning, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to the complex drilling process
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement system is segmented so that the L-shaped hooks engage with simple round holes for vertical positioning, while horizontal positioning and securing are handled by the separate clamping lever mechanism. This segmentation allows the use of simple drilling for holes rather than complex precision drilling required for integrated wedge connections.
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
Enables secure clamping in both horizontal and vertical directions while allowing easy detachment without tools, improving usability and reducing the effort required to release the connection.
Implementation Method 1
A spring-loaded latch is attached to the clamping lever
Implementation Method 2
The connecting device has a clamping lever with a cam, which can be used to move the plate with the two hooks against the rectangular tube
Implementation Method 3
The upper hook has a trapezoidal section that is inserted into the upper hole. This section is therefore somewhat narrower at its free end than at its base. When the section is inserted into the upper hole, the upper hook wedges itself into the upper hole
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 2
AI summary
A connector for joining a part to a rectangular tube or beam, in particular a side panel, headboard, or footboard of a bed to a bed support. The connector has a first receiving element and a second receiving element, which form a receptacle for the tube or beam and which can be moved relative to each other between a first position, in which the tube or beam can be clamped in the receptacle between the first receiving element and the second receiving element for connecting the connector to the tube or beam, and a second position, in which the tube or beam can be inserted into the receptacle or removed from the receptacle, wherein the connector has a guide that determines the direction of movement of the first receiving element and the second receiving element from the first position to the second position and vice versa.