Interlocking Connector Sleeve for Detachable Beam Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling elements fail to provide a secure yet detachable connection for structures, particularly in temporary applications like trade fair booths and scaffolding, where repeated assembly and disassembly are necessary, and lack flexibility in adapting to different load requirements.
Innovation Solution
A hollow connector sleeve with interlocking components, including male and female flanges and slots, that can be securely attached to support shafts using anchoring mechanisms, allowing for detachable coupling with various attachments such as hooks, magnetic couplings, and electrical fixtures, enabling flexible and efficient assembly and disassembly of structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coupling elements are used, then the structure can be assembled, but the connection is not secure enough for varying load requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element incorporates multiple interlocking components (male and female flanges, slots, protrusions) that can engage at different positions and orientations, allowing the connection to dynamically adapt to varying load directions and magnitudes while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows changing the engagement parameters of the interlocking components (which flange engages with which slot, orientation of engagement) to accommodate different load requirements, transforming a static coupling into one with adjustable characteristics
2Ease of operation
If conventional coupling elements are used, then assembly can be performed, but repeated assembly and disassembly is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is divided into separate male and female components with distinct interlocking features (flanges, slots, protrusions) that can be independently positioned and engaged, allowing for quick assembly by simply aligning and connecting the segmented parts without complex fastening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking components (flanges and slots) act as intermediary elements that facilitate quick connection and disconnection by providing predefined engagement paths, eliminating the need for tools or complex manual operations during assembly and disassembly
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional coupling elements are used, then basic coupling is achieved, but flexibility in adapting to different configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed with multiple interlocking components that can engage in various combinations and orientations, allowing a single coupling device to serve multiple functions and adapt to different structural configurations without requiring multiple specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The male and female flanges have asymmetric shapes with specific protrusions and slots that provide directional guidance and ensure proper orientation during assembly, enabling flexible configuration adaptation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through form-fit design
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, in one embodiment, includes a hollow connector sleeve having a rectangular opening comprising an interior surface configured to slide over and to conformingly receive a portion of a wooden beam that acts as a support shaft and has a cross-section selected from rectangular and square. The apparatus includes one or more exterior mounting panels and multiple male flanges, where each male flange has a planar rectangular block at a distal end of rectangular connecting shaft that connects to the one or more exterior mounting panels, and where each male flange is configured to be slidably received into an open end of a corresponding female slot. A system and method implement the apparatus and may include an attachment that detachably couples to the hollow connector sleeve.