Hidden Spring-Arm Connector for Fast Adhesive Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining components using adhesives require waiting for the adhesive to cure, which can be time-consuming, especially in mass production and custom-made furniture assembly, and there is a need for a solution that allows for faster assembly without compromising the integrity of the connection.
Innovation Solution
A connector with spring-loaded arms and clamping surfaces that engage undercuts in the components, allowing them to be assembled before the adhesive cures, providing a detachable or permanent connection depending on the design, and remaining invisible from the outside.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive joining method is used, then strong connection is achieved, but production time increases due to waiting for adhesive curing
Solution Approach 1:
The connector enables components to be assembled and connected in advance before the adhesive has cured. The spring-loaded arms with clamping surfaces engage the undercuts to provide immediate mechanical support and positioning, allowing subsequent processing or assembly steps to proceed while the adhesive is still curing in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary mechanical fastening device that bridges the gap between component assembly and adhesive curing. It provides temporary mechanical support during the curing process, enabling the components to be firmly connected without relying solely on the not yet cured adhesive.
2Productivity
If connector is used for assembly before adhesive curing, then productivity increases, but connection visibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is strategically positioned and designed to be hidden within the joint area between components. The spring-loaded arms engage with undercuts that are not visible from the outside, and the connector body is concealed within the assembly, extracting the fastening function from visible view while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with different visual characteristics for different regions: the clamping surfaces and engagement points are optimized for functional performance in hidden areas, while the overall connector profile is minimized and concealed within the joint geometry to maintain aesthetic appearance from external viewing angles.
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 assembly of components by allowing them to be joined before adhesive curing, offering time savings in production and ensuring secure, invisible connections that can be either detachable or permanent.
Implementation Method 1
The connector has at least two first clamping surfaces (2A, 2B) and at least two second clamping surfaces (4A, 4B), which are arranged on a spring-loaded arm (6A, 6B, 8A, 8B)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector for joining a first component and a second component, in particular designed as a gluing aid for joining the components during the curing of an adhesive in the area of a bonding surface, wherein the connector has at least two first clamping surfaces and at least two second clamping surfaces, wherein each of the clamping surfaces is arranged on a spring-loaded arm, wherein the first clamping surfaces of the connector can engage at least one undercut of the first component and the second clamping surfaces can engage at least one undercut of the second component, wherein the connectors and the undercuts are not visible from outside the components when the two components are joined, and wherein the connector is designed as a one-piece component, in particular as a plastic component.