Locking Connector Assembly for Fast Modular Display Joining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular display support systems are prone to over-tightening and damage of connecting pipes, require complex and permanent attachment mechanisms, and are expensive and time-consuming to assemble and disassemble, limiting flexibility and structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

A locking connector system comprising a male and female component with tubular sections and a midsection, featuring a double helix thread and a switch mechanism with a resilient device and catch, allowing secure and quick assembly and disassembly by rotational movement, preventing movement of connected pieces when locked.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidpipe damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A pipe protection sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the pipe and the connector. The sleeve absorbs the tightening force and prevents direct contact between the connector and the pipe surface, thereby eliminating pipe damage while maintaining connection strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly uses composite construction with different materials optimized for specific functions: the protective sleeve is made of soft, damage-preventing material while the connector body uses strong, rigid material for secure fastening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If complex attachment mechanisms are used to connect modular units, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a connector body, a protective sleeve, and a locking element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while enabling quick assembly and disassembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism that transitions from an open state during assembly to a locked state during operation, providing both ease of assembly and secure connection without requiring complex permanent attachment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If permanent attachment mechanisms are used, then structural integrity is improved, but flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is designed to be dynamically reversible, allowing modular units to be securely connected during operation while enabling quick disconnection for reconfiguration or replacement, thus providing both structural integrity and flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If traditional connectors are used for modular units, then ease of assembly is improved, but movement prevention decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidmovement prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connector features a dynamic locking mechanism that is simple to operate during assembly but automatically engages to prevent movement once connected, providing both ease of operation and stable connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector incorporates a feedback mechanism through the locking element that provides tactile confirmation when the connection is properly secured, ensuring movement prevention while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 and secure construction and deconstruction of modular displays without compromising structural integrity, reducing assembly time and preventing accidental movement of connected pieces.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient device and catch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11686412B2Locking connector assembly

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 ATOMIC DESIGN INC

AI summary

A connector having a male component and a female component. The male component has a first tubular section, a second tubular section, and a midsection between the first tubular section and the second tubular section. The female component is connected to the second tubular section of the male component upon relative rotational movement between the male component and the female component and disconnected from the second tubular section of the male component upon relative rotational movement between the male component and the female component in a direction opposite to the direction when the male component and the female component are being connected. The female component has a bearing surface bearing against the midsection of the male component in a first position of the bearing surface and is spaced from the midsection of the male component in other positions of the female component.