Hidden Wedge Connector Assembly for Secure Detachable Joints

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for joining components are often complex, require visible fasteners, and lack a secure, detachable mechanism that allows for easy assembly and disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A connector system using resilient arms with clamping surfaces and a movable wedge component that can be rotated between clamping and release positions, allowing secure anchoring within component recesses with undercuts, and a cam mechanism for precise alignment and high torque application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional connectors are used to join components, then the connection is secure, but the connector structure becomes complex and visible fasteners are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two separate connector components (first connector component and second connector component) that can be inserted into recesses in each component. Each connector component has resilient arms with clamping surfaces that engage with undercuts in the recesses, distributing the connection function across multiple segmented elements rather than a single complex fastener.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wedge component is extracted as a separate movable element that can be inserted through a small opening to actuate the resilient arms. This separates the actuation mechanism from the clamping mechanism, allowing the connector to be controlled through a minimal opening without requiring complex external fastening hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If traditional fasteners are used, then the connection is secure, but visible fasteners and larger openings are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidvisibility of fasteners

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge component is extracted as a separate movable element that can be inserted through a small opening to actuate the resilient arms. This separates the actuation mechanism from the clamping mechanism, allowing the connector to be controlled through a minimal opening without requiring complex external fastening hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector components are designed to nest within recesses in the components being joined. The first connector component nests in a recess in the first component, and the second connector component nests in a recess in the second component, with the wedge component accessible through a small opening. This nesting arrangement hides the connector structure within the components, making the connection invisible from the exterior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If resilient arms with clamping surfaces are used, then secure anchoring in recesses is achieved, but the mechanism for actuating the arms becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring securityVSAvoidactuation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient arms are pre-positioned in a retracted state within the connector components, ready to engage the undercuts in the recesses. The wedge component is designed to simply push the inner sides of the resilient arms apart, which automatically causes the clamping surfaces to engage with the undercuts. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient arms automatically engage with the undercuts in the recesses when the wedge component pushes them apart. The geometry of the resilient arms and undercuts is designed so that the actuation motion of the wedge automatically produces the clamping action, without requiring additional springs, cams, or other complex mechanisms. The system serves itself through the inherent elasticity and geometry of its components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If a movable wedge component is used to actuate resilient arms, then easy assembly and disassembly is achieved, but the mechanism for moving the wedge must be simple

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly and disassemblyVSAvoidwedge actuation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient arms automatically engage with the undercuts in the recesses when the wedge component pushes them apart. The geometry of the resilient arms and undercuts is designed so that the actuation motion of the wedge automatically produces the clamping action, without requiring additional springs, cams, or other complex mechanisms. The system serves itself through the inherent elasticity and geometry of its components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Provides a mechanically simple, nearly invisible connection that securely joins components with high tensile force, allowing easy assembly and disassembly without visible fasteners, and accommodates manufacturing tolerances.

Implementation Method 1

a first connector component and a second connector component, wherein the first connector component and the second connector component each have at least two resilient arms with clamping surfaces at their free ends

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the wedge component is rotatably mounted in the first connector component or the second connector component. By means of a rotary motion, the wedge component can be moved simultaneously between the spring arms in the first connector component and between the spring arms in the second connector component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP4686840A1Connector, assembly and method

Publication Date: 2026.02.04 ADOLF WURTH GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a connector for connecting a first component to a second component, wherein the connector comprises a first connector component and a second connector component, wherein the first connector component and the second connector component each have at least two resilient arms with clamping surfaces at their free ends, wherein the clamping surfaces are opposite each other and are each arranged on an outside side of the respective resilient arm, and wherein the inside sides of the resilient arms face each other, wherein a wedge component movable relative to the first connector component and to the second connector component is arranged in the first or the second connector component, and wherein the wedge component can be moved relative to the first and to the second connector component at least between a clamping position and a release position.wherein the wedge component is arranged in the clamping position between the two spring arms in the first connector component and/or between the two spring arms in the second connector component, rests against the inner sides of the spring arms in the first connector component and/or in the second connector component, and blocks any movement of the clamping surfaces on the spring arms in the first connector component and/or in the second connector component towards each other.