Keyway Connector for Plastic Component Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for joining plastic components, such as welding and adhesives, are time-consuming, expensive, and limited in their ability to create strong, leak-proof seals, especially for large or complex shapes, and often require hazardous materials and specialized equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving key arrangements and a key connector where components are aligned so that keys extend in line with a common axis, and a key connector with a longitudinal keyway passage is used to clamp the components together, providing a secure joint without the need for welding or adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding or adhesives are used to join plastic components, then strong joints can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal welding processes or chemical adhesive bonding with a mechanical keyway connector system. The connector features keys that engage with keyways in the plastic components, creating a mechanical interlock that provides strong joints without requiring heat or chemicals, thereby significantly reducing joining time and cost.
2Reliability
If welding equipment and hazardous materials are used, then reliable joints can be formed, but specialized equipment and safety measures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the need for welding equipment, adhesives, and associated safety infrastructure by using a purely mechanical keyway connector system. The connector relies on geometric interlocking between keys and keyways, providing reliable joints through mechanical engagement alone, which simplifies equipment requirements and removes hazardous materials.
3Reliability
If compression fittings are used for joining, then secure connections can be made, but they are limited in size and shape applications
Solution Approach 1:
The keyway connector is designed with universal adaptability to work with plastic components of various sizes, shapes, and configurations. The key and keyway geometry can be customized for different component types including pipes, tanks, and complex-shaped parts, making the system versatile across applications where compression fittings would be limited or impractical.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for connecting at least a first component (2) and a second component (3) together, wherein each component (2, 3) comprises at least one key arrangement extending along the component (2, 3) and keys (5, 6) of the key arrangement are spaced apart from one another. The method comprises the steps of: aligning the key arrangements of the components (2, 3) such that aligned keys (5, 6) of the key arrangements extend generally in line with a common axis (15) or ensuring alignment of the key arrangements such that aligned keys (5, 6) of the key arrangements extend generally in line with a common axis (15); and extending a key connector (4) comprising at least one longitudinal keyway passage (8) over the aligned keys (5, 6) generally in line with the common axis (15) so that the keys (5, 6) extend within the keyway passage (8), are retained by the key connector (4), and the first and second components (2, 3) are clamped together to form an assembly (1).