Gutter Corner Accessory With Pivoting Flaps And Interlocking Studs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corner accessories for chutes are difficult to assemble and prone to disassembly due to the need for flap deformation and blind alignment, with limited shock resistance in angular positions other than the second extreme position.
Innovation Solution
A corner accessory design featuring two separate flaps that pivot around a common axis, with one flap having a projecting element and the other a circular opening, allowing for easy assembly through lateral engagement and featuring a sloping edge to prevent disassembly under impact, ensuring secure attachment regardless of position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flaps are assembled by deforming flaps and blind aligning studs with openings, then assembly is achieved, but assembly becomes delicate and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the studs on one flap and the corresponding openings on the other flap during the molding process. This eliminates the need for post-assembly deformation and alignment operations, making assembly simple and straightforward. The studs and openings are prepared in advance with precise geometry, allowing direct engagement without delicate manual manipulation.
2Ease of operation
If stud height is reduced to limit flap deformation, then assembly facilitation is achieved, but shock resistance decreases causing studs to exit openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing the engagement interface with sufficient stud height and appropriate material properties to absorb shock energy. The connection is designed to withstand impact forces that may occur during use, preventing stud extraction while maintaining ease of assembly. The structural design anticipates potential shock loads and incorporates sufficient mechanical strength in advance.
3Ease of manufacture
If flaps are assembled with minimal deformation, then assembly is facilitated, but flaps lack means to prevent disassembly under shock in intermediate positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of shock loads into a beneficial design feature by creating an engagement system where the stud-openings interface is optimized to maintain connection stability. The geometric design of studs and openings, combined with appropriate material selection, ensures that even in intermediate angular positions, the connection remains stable and resistant to disassembly, transforming the challenge of shock resistance into a design advantage.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a corner accessory (100) to be arranged at the junction of at least two chutes (1) of different orientations, comprising two separate flaps (110, 120), one of which has a projecting element (117) and the other of which has a circular opening (127) receiving said projecting element to allow a pivoting of said flaps about a pivoting axis (Y), the circular edge of said opening being locally open on a slot (128) which leads to a free edge of said flap. According to the invention, said projecting element is a cylindrical wall (117) which has, on the one hand, an external diameter equal to the internal diameter of said circular opening so that when pivoting one flap relative to the other, the external face of said cylindrical wall slides on the edge of the circular edge of said opening, and, on the other hand, a height which varies along its circumference.