Joining system between a supporting plane and a tubular element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joining systems between a supporting plane and a tubular element fail to conceal fixing means, such as grub screws, from sight, especially when the supporting surface is transparent like glass or crystal.
Innovation Solution
A joining system featuring a male part with a discoidal plate and a female part with an annular collar housing tilted grub screws, where the screws are positioned to be concealed from view, with their actuation side beneath the collar, allowing for stable connection while maintaining aesthetic integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixing means (grub screws) are used in joining systems, then stable connection between male and female parts is achieved, but the fixing means become visible and aesthetically undesirable, especially with transparent supporting surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the visible portion of the grub screw from the observation area by tilting the screw at an angle of 45-90 degrees relative to the supporting plane. The screw is positioned so that only its tip contacts the male part while the head remains hidden within the collar structure, effectively removing the aesthetic defect while preserving the mechanical function of stable connection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions the grub screw from a conventional axial orientation (parallel to the supporting plane) to a tilted orientation (45-90 degrees relative to the supporting plane). This dimensional change in screw orientation allows the screw to perform its fastening function while its head is concealed within the collar, resolving the contradiction between visibility and fastening effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If grub screws are positioned for easy access and operation, then ease of operation is improved, but visibility of the fixing means increases, compromising aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different spatial characteristics to different parts of the grub screw: the head is positioned within the collar structure where it is concealed from view, while the tip extends to contact the male part for fastening. This local differentiation allows the screw to provide both aesthetic concealment and functional accessibility simultaneously
Data Source
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AI summary
A joining system between a supporting plane (11) and a tubular element (12, 112, 212, 312) of the type comprising, in combination: a first male part (13, 113, 213, 313) and a female part (14, 114, 214, 314) suitable for being intercoupled, and fixing means acting between said two male and female parts to make the junction between said plane and tubular element stable. According to the invention said second female part (14, 114, 214, 314) is fixed beneath said supporting plane (11) and is provided with an annular collar (20) in which said fixing means are housed with an arrangement concealed from sight.