Interlocking Corner Piece Preventing Frame Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Structural frames, such as those used in automation equipment and buildings, often experience loosening of nut and bolt combinations due to vibration and environmental factors, leading to compromised integrity and rotation of frame members, which affects alignment.
Innovation Solution
A corner piece design with L-shaped bodies and bolt-receiving bores at acute angles, along with gussets and lips, is used to interlock frame members, preventing rotation and providing a self-aligning mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If nut and bolt combinations are used to secure frame members together, then the frame members can be easily assembled, but the connections loosen over time due to vibration and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The corner piece is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion for connection, a lip for positioning, and a bore for fastener reception. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated unit, preventing the loosening issues of traditional nut-bolt assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner piece acts as an intermediary component between frame members, providing a positive mechanical interlock through its lip that engages with the frame member's ledge. This intermediary structure transfers and distributes loads effectively, preventing the connection from loosening under vibration while maintaining ease of assembly through the standardized bore interface.
2Ease of operation
If traditional corner pieces are used to connect frame members, then assembly is simple, but rotation of frame members cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The corner piece incorporates an asymmetric lip structure that engages with a corresponding ledge on the frame member. This asymmetric geometry provides a positive mechanical interlock that prevents rotation in one direction while maintaining ease of assembly. The lip's specific orientation and shape ensure that frame members cannot rotate relative to each other, yet the connection remains simple to make.
3Adaptability or versatility
If friction-based connections are used to hold frame components together, then the structure can be flexible during assembly, but the integrity is compromised under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The corner piece's lip is pre-formed to engage with the frame member's ledge before any fastening operation. This preliminary mechanical interlock establishes the correct position and prevents rotation from the outset, providing initial structural integrity. Subsequent fasteners through the bore then lock this pre-established connection, maintaining both strength and the flexibility needed for proper assembly alignment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A corner piece is provided for interconnecting frame members. The corner piece includes a first plate member defining an inner face, an opposite outer face, a first side face, an opposite second side face, and an end face. The first plate member including a bolt-receiving bore therethrough. A second plate member defines an inner face contiguous with the inner face of the first plate member, an outer face, a first side face, an opposite second side face, and an end face. The second plate member includes a bolt-receiving bore extending between the inner face and the outer face thereof along a first axis generally parallel to the inner face of the first plate member.