Inner Coupling Joint for Hollow Structural Member Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting joints for coupling elongated bodies are limited in their ability to efficiently form structures using the inner dimensions of hollow bodies, which restricts flexibility, durability, and functionality in structural and plumbing applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of a Multi Inner Joint (MIJ) that couples with the interior portions of elongated bodies, allowing for the formation of structures without relying primarily on external tools, and enabling easy assembly and disassembly for temporary or permanent structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connecting joints are used that couple elongated bodies from the exterior, then the joint structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the structural flexibility, durability, and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by having the connecting joint couple elongated bodies from the interior rather than the exterior. The joint is inserted through hollow elongated bodies and couples them at their inner surfaces, allowing the joint to protrude outwardly to connect additional bodies. This inversion enables the joint to utilize the inner dimensions of hollow bodies, significantly improving structural flexibility and functionality while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If joints are designed to couple elongated bodies at multiple angles and positions, then the adaptability and versatility improve, but the ease of operation and assembly deteriorates due to requiring external tools
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting joint is designed to be self-installing by utilizing the inner dimensions of hollow elongated bodies. The joint is simply inserted through the hollow bodies and automatically positions itself to couple them together, protruding outwardly to connect additional bodies. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external tools or complex alignment procedures, making assembly and disassembly straightforward while maintaining the ability to couple bodies at multiple angles and positions.
3Reliability
If the joint utilizes inner dimensions of hollow elongated bodies, then adaptability and durability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting joint is designed to be inserted within and utilize the hollow interior of elongated bodies, effectively nesting the joint inside the structural members. This nesting approach allows the joint to couple bodies from the interior, improving durability by distributing loads through the inner surfaces while maintaining a simple overall design that does not significantly increase device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A kit for forming a garden structure, includes connecting bodies and connecting joints. The connecting bodies include a first connecting body having a first open end, a second connecting body having a second open end, and a third connecting body extending between a third open end and a fourth open end. The connecting joints include a first connecting joint and a second connecting joint. The first connecting joint includes a first base, a first extending body dimensioned to fit with the first open end of the first connecting body and a second extending body dimensioned to fit within the third open end of the third connecting body. The second connecting joint include a second base, a third extending body dimensioned to fit within the second open end of the second connecting body, and a fourth extending body dimensioned to fit within the fourth open end of the third connecting body.