Locking Connector Assembly for Quick Modular Display Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular display support systems are cumbersome, expensive, and require complex attachment mechanisms, leading to over-tightening of connections, damage, and limited flexibility in assembly and disassembly, with a need for a quick and secure connector system that prevents movement of connected pieces.
Innovation Solution
A locking connector assembly with a male and female component featuring tubular sections and a midsection, utilizing a double helix thread and a switch mechanism with a resilient device and catch to securely connect and disconnect modular units through rotational movement, ensuring structural integrity and ease of assembly/disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex attachment mechanisms are used to connect modular units, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct male and female components with specific geometric features. The male component includes a shank with a head featuring a bearing surface and a notch, while the female component includes a slot with corresponding features. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly while maintaining structural integrity through precise geometric interlocking.
2Strength
If pipes are over tightened to secure connections, then connection strength is improved, but damage to components occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates a bearing surface on the male component head that contacts the female component during assembly. The geometry of the slot and head automatically limits the insertion depth and connection force, allowing the components to self-regulate the connection strength without requiring external control or risk of over-tightening damage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If permanent attachment mechanisms are used, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and replacement capability of modular units deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses a slot-based mechanism that allows the male component to be inserted and locked into the female component through rotational movement. The bearing surface provides stable connection during use, while the geometric features (notch and slot alignment) enable controlled disassembly by reversing the rotational movement, thus providing both stability during operation and flexibility for replacement.
4Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are used to prevent movement, then connection security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted into a simple geometric relationship between the male component's head with bearing surface and notch, and the female component's slot. The locking action is achieved through the natural engagement of these geometric features during insertion and rotation, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms while maintaining connection security and enabling easy operation.
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
The solution enables rapid and secure construction and deconstruction of modular displays without sacrificing structural integrity, preventing movement of connected pieces and reducing assembly/disassembly time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a double helix thread and a switch mechanism with a resilient device and catch to securely connect and disconnect modular units through rotational movement
Implementation Method 2
a switch mechanism with a resilient device and catch to securely connect and disconnect modular units through rotational movement
Data Source
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.