L-Shaped Corner Piece Prevents Frame Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Structural frames used in automation equipment and other applications often experience loosening of nut and bolt combinations due to vibration and environmental factors, leading to compromised integrity and misalignment of frame members.
Innovation Solution
A corner piece design that mechanically interlocks first and second frame members using L-shaped plate members with bolt-receiving bores and gussets, preventing rotation and providing self-alignment, while utilizing lips and converging walls for enhanced clamping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If nut and bolt combinations are used to secure frame members, then the frame members can be assembled together, but the connections loosen over time due to vibration and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The corner piece is divided into two separate plate members (first plate member and second plate member) that are joined together. Each plate member has bolt-receiving bores that receive bolts extending from the respective frame members. This segmentation allows the corner piece to mechanically interlock the frame members while preventing rotation, resolving the contradiction between ease of assembly and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner piece merges the function of multiple fastening elements into a single integrated component. By combining the two plate members with gussets and lips into one corner piece assembly, the design achieves both ease of assembly (single component installation) and high reliability (multiple interlocking features including lips receiving on frame members and gussets providing structural reinforcement).
2Ease of operation
If friction-based connections are used to hold frame members together, then the assembly process is simple, but the frame members rotate and misalign during use
Solution Approach 1:
The corner piece is pre-configured with bolt-receiving bores positioned at specific angles and locations. The first plate member has bores extending along a first axis, and the second plate member has bores extending along a second axis. This preliminary configuration ensures that when bolts are inserted, they automatically align the frame members correctly and prevent rotation, maintaining frame alignment while keeping assembly simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner piece acts as an intermediary component between the first and second frame members. It provides a fixed reference geometry that mediates the connection between the two frame members, ensuring proper alignment and preventing relative rotation. The gussets and lips serve as intermediate structural elements that reinforce this mediating function.
3Strength
If multiple bolt-receiving bores are included in plate members, then the mechanical interlocking strength is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The corner piece design uses identical or similar plate member structures for both the first and second plate members. Each plate member has the same basic configuration with bolt-receiving bores, allowing for standardized manufacturing and assembly. This universality enhances interlocking strength through multiple bores while minimizing complexity by repeating a proven design pattern rather than creating unique complex structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt-receiving bores are strategically positioned at specific locations and angles on each plate member to provide optimal mechanical interlocking strength where needed. The first plate member has bores extending along a first axis, and the second plate member has bores extending along a second axis, with each bore location optimized for its specific function in the assembly. This local optimization provides high strength without unnecessary overall complexity.
Data Source
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.