Locking Connector Assembly for Fast Modular Display Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular display support systems face issues with over-tightening of connecting pipes leading to damage, complex and permanent attachment mechanisms, high costs, and limited flexibility in assembly and disassembly, necessitating a need for a quick, secure, and flexible connector system that maintains structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

A locking connector assembly comprising a male and female component with tubular sections and a midsection, featuring a switch mechanism and resilient device to facilitate secure connection and disconnection through rotational movement, along with a base insert and pole for modular display systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If pipes are over tightened to secure connection, then connection strength is improved, but pipe damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidpipe damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a connector assembly with a resilient device as an intermediary between the male and female components. The resilient device includes a bearing surface that makes contact with the midsection of the male component, acting as a mediator that distributes and limits the tightening force. This prevents direct over-tightening damage to the pipe while maintaining secure connection through the controlled interaction between the connector components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If complex attachment mechanisms are used to connect modular units, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a male component with external threading, a female component with internal threading, and a resilient device with a bearing surface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply - threading provides structural integrity while the resilient device provides controlled connection - reducing overall complexity compared to a single complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly is designed to be self-servicing through its resilient device that automatically engages and disengages based on rotational movement. The bearing surface naturally makes and breaks contact with the male component's midsection during assembly and disassembly, eliminating the need for complex control systems or multiple operational steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If permanent attachment mechanisms are used, then connection stability is improved, but flexibility in replacement and reconfiguration is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidflexibility in replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The resilient device's bearing surface is positioned to make contact during connection and break contact during disconnection, enabling the system to adapt between stable connected state and easily separable state. This dynamic design allows modular units to be replaced and reconfigured while maintaining connection stability during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If traditional connector systems are used, then assembly security is improved, but assembly time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly securityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly enables rapid assembly by skipping the time-consuming steps of traditional systems. The resilient device's bearing surface is strategically positioned to automatically engage with the male component's midsection during a single rotational motion, eliminating the need for multiple adjustment steps, alignment procedures, or complex fastening operations required by conventional connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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

Enables rapid assembly and disassembly of modular displays without compromising structural integrity, while preventing movement of connected pieces and reducing assembly time and costs.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient device to facilitate secure connection and disconnection through rotational movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250369546A1Locking Connector Assembly

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 ATOMIC DESIGN INC

AI summary

A connector having a male component and a female component. The male component includes a midsection with switch mechanism. The female component includes a bearing surface bearing against the midsection of the male component in a first position of the bearing surface of the female component, and spaced from the midsection of the male component in other positions of the female component.