Internal Pivoting Connector for Frame Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for frame members often require external features that introduce spacing issues, limiting flexibility and alignment when connecting different frame members, and fail to provide a secure, internal locking mechanism against both translational and rotational movements.

Innovation Solution

A connector with a body and fulcrum that pivots within a channel, allowing for internal connection and locking of frame members, using a tee nut and set screw to inhibit relative movement, while maintaining flexibility in positioning and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external features (e.g., plates) are added to connectors to allow joining frame members at different angles, then adaptability is improved, but the frame members cannot be located flush against one another and alignment with other frame members becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in joining anglesVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes external features (plates) from the connector design and integrates all functionality within the channel itself. The fulcrum mechanism operates entirely inside the channel, eliminating the need for external plates that caused spacing and alignment issues while maintaining the ability to join frame members at different angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector components (body, fulcrum, locking mechanism) are nested within the channel of the frame member. The fulcrum is received within the channel and provides pivot points internally, allowing the connector to provide angular flexibility while keeping the frame members flush against each other without external protrusions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If connectors are designed with fixed locations once installed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability in positioning frame members is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector structure simplicityVSAvoidpositioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates a dynamic fulcrum mechanism that can pivot within the channel between multiple positions. This allows the connector to adapt to different frame member configurations and positioning requirements after installation, providing adjustability without requiring complex external adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single connector design with the fulcrum mechanism can perform multiple functions: providing fixed positioning when needed, allowing angular adjustment, and enabling repositioning within the channel. This multi-functional design achieves adaptability while maintaining relatively simple structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If connectors allow frame members to be joined at different angles using external features, then adaptability is improved, but additional spaces are introduced between frame members

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular joining capabilityVSAvoidspacing between frame members

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the angle-adjustment functionality from external plates and relocates it within the channel through the fulcrum mechanism. This eliminates the additional spaces that would be created by external plates while maintaining the capability to join frame members at different angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fulcrum mechanism operates in a different dimensional space (within the channel cross-section) rather than extending externally. This allows angular adjustment to be achieved through internal rotation and pivoting motions that do not increase the external dimensions or create spacing between frame members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The connector provides a secure, internal locking mechanism that inhibits both translational and rotational movements, allowing for flexible positioning and alignment of frame members without external modifications, enhancing assembly efficiency and access to channels.

Implementation Method 1

The fulcrum is coupled to the body between the first end and the second end and provides a pivot point about which the body can pivot within the channel of the first frame member to selectively lock the two frame members against relative movement.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS8100600B2Pivoting connector assembly for connecting two members

Publication Date: 2012.01.24 BOSCH REXROTH CORP

AI summary

A connector is configured to connect two frame members. The connector includes a body with a first end and a second end spaced from the first end. A fulcrum is coupled to the body between the first end and the second end. The body is configured to be received in a channel of a frame member and pivots about the fulcrum inside the channel between a first pivot position in which the frame members are free to move relative to one another and a second pivot position in which the frame members are locked against relative movement.