Hinged Connector Fitting for Hollow Panels With Secure Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting fittings for hollow panels face difficulties in inserting and securing the clamping part due to the lack of a solid bottom, which can lead to the clamping part falling out when excessive pressure is applied during tool insertion.

Innovation Solution

The housing parts are connected by a hinge with a latching mechanism, allowing lateral insertion of the clamping part and providing a solid bottom for support, along with a fastening plate and ribs for enhanced stability and anti-rotation protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the housing bottom is made thin or open to allow lateral insertion of the clamping part, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength and reliability of the housing is worsened, causing the clamping part to fall out under pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion of clamping partVSAvoidhousing bottom strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The housing (1) is formed in two parts, in particular in a first housing part (5) and in a second housing part (6), wherein the first housing part (5) is inserted into the hollow panel (22) and the second housing part (6) closes the housing (1) after insertion of the clamping part (2)

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the housing is made as a single solid piece, then the strength is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened, making lateral insertion of the clamping part difficult or impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing strengthVSAvoidinsertion of clamping part

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into two parts that can be separated during the insertion process. The first housing part provides structural strength when inserted into the panel, while the second housing part can be removed to allow lateral insertion of the clamping part and then reattached to close the housing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing transitions from a static closed structure to a dynamic open structure during insertion, and back to closed after insertion. The second housing part is temporarily removed to enable clamping part insertion, then reattached to restore the closed housing structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the opening of the housing is made large to facilitate clamping part insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the inconspicuous appearance and protection are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion of clamping partVSAvoidprotection of internal components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing opening is segmented into two phases: during insertion, the second housing part is removed to allow large opening for clamping part insertion; after insertion, the second housing part is reattached to close the opening, providing protection and inconspicuous appearance while maintaining ease of access for tool insertion through the small opening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP1820977B1Connector fitting for hollow plates

Publication Date: 2011.10.12 HAEFELE SE & CO KG

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AI summary

The connector for hollow panels, especially honeycomb and sandwich panels, comprises a fixing (2) which fits over the head of a screw. This is mounted in a sleeve (1) made up of two sections (5, 6) connected by a film hinge (7).