Hidden Clip Connections for Stable Tool-Free Modular Frames
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for constructing trade fair stands and similar structures face challenges in achieving quick and simple assembly and disassembly while maintaining high stability, with visible connecting means being a cosmetic and functional issue.
Innovation Solution
The use of modular, joinable frame elements with connecting clips that have longitudinal axes parallel to the profile legs, allowing for tool-free assembly and disassembly, and incorporating magnetic elements for secure fastening, along with a clamping mechanism that provides adjustable clamping force without visible fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If screws are used to connect frame elements, then high stability is achieved, but the connecting means become visible and disturb the appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The visible screw heads are extracted from the exterior surface and relocated to the interior of the profile channel. The connecting means are hidden within the profile structure, allowing the exterior surface to remain clean and uninterrupted while still providing secure mechanical connection through the hidden fastening system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting means are nested within the profile channel structure. The fastening components are housed inside the hollow profile, with only minimal portions visible or accessible from the exterior, creating a nested configuration that maintains both structural integrity and aesthetic appearance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional connecting means are used, then stable connection is achieved, but assembly and disassembly require tools and trained craftsmen
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting means are designed as self-contained units that can be operated without external tools. The profile channel incorporates integrated fastening mechanisms that can be engaged and disengaged by hand, allowing the structure to be assembled and disassembled by anyone without requiring specialized tools or training.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into modular components that can be independently manipulated. The profile channel, connecting means, and frame elements are divided into discrete segments that can be easily joined and separated through simple manual operations, facilitating quick assembly and disassembly.
3Ease of operation
If frame elements are designed for quick assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the profile channel structure: mechanical connection, hidden fastening, and structural support are all integrated into a single component design. This merging allows the profile to provide both easy manual assembly and high structural stability simultaneously through its multi-functional construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile channel employs composite construction combining different materials and structural features to achieve both ease of assembly and high stability. The integration of rigid structural elements with flexible fastening mechanisms creates a composite system that is both user-friendly and structurally sound.
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 rapid and stable assembly and disassembly of trade fair stands without visible connecting means, reducing assembly costs and enhancing appearance, while ensuring high stability and secure fastening.
Implementation Method 1
one or more parts or strips made of a magnetizable or magnetic material are attached or introduced to the profiles of the modular frame elements... Flat filling elements can then be magnetically fixed there if they have magnets along their peripheral edge on their back, which can interact with the magnetic or magnetizable parts in or on the frame elements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for building a framework as a supporting framework for the construction of exhibition stands, presentation walls or frames, partitions or cabin walls, backdrops, counters, tables or the like., From modular, joinable and plankable frame elements, which Circumference of mutually connected, preferably straight profiles and can be connected to similar profiles of adjacent frame elements by connecting means, wherein the profiles of the modular frame elements each have an at least U-shaped or even partially closed cross-section with two lateral profile legs connected by at least one central profile web , wherein the area of a profile forming the central profile web has at least one or preferably at least two elongated recesses, the longitudinal axes of which run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the relevant profile, and the connecting means from Klamm ern are formed by a U-shaped structure, each with two lateral clamp legs connected by a central clamp web, at least one of which is dimensioned such that it can be pushed through two aligned recesses in two adjacent frame elements, the clear distance between the two clamp legs is dimensioned in such a way that two adjacent profile webs of two adjacent frame elements can be accommodated in the gap formed thereby.