Locking Connector Structure for Fast-Replaceable Sheet Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sheet material connection methods for wood floors, such as the male/female groove interconnection, result in significant waste and slow mounting speed due to the need for sequential engagement and detachment of wood floors, making replacement complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A locking connector with an annular protrusion and connecting protrusions that clamp sheet materials, providing a buffering function and allowing for resilient deformation to facilitate easy installation and removal, reducing material waste and improving mounting efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional male/female groove interconnection is used, then sheet materials can be connected, but 5-10% of pavement area is lost due to engagement superposition
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into separate components: a locking base body with connecting protrusions and sheet materials with connecting recesses. This segmentation eliminates the need for overlapping engagement, reducing material waste while maintaining connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting protrusions fit into connecting recesses in a nested manner, allowing tight connection without overlap. The locking base body's annular protrusion nests within the first connecting recess, while connecting protrusions nest within second connecting recesses, eliminating engagement superposition.
2Productivity
If traditional male/female groove is used, then wood floors can be connected, but mounting speed is slow due to sequential engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into independent locking base bodies and sheet materials that can be prepared separately and then quickly assembled, enabling parallel preparation and faster installation compared to sequential traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking base body acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the connection process. By pre-assembling the locking base body with connecting protrusions, the installation becomes more efficient as sheet materials can be quickly attached without complex sequential operations.
3Ease of repair
If traditional male/female groove interconnection is used, then wood floors can be connected, but replacement is complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into separable components with standardized interfaces. The locking base body and sheet materials can be independently removed and reattached, making replacement simple and non-destructive compared to traditional interlocked grooves.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for easy discarding of individual sheet materials and recovery of the locking base body. Components can be detached without damage and reused, facilitating simple replacement and maintenance operations.
4Loss of substance
If locking connector with annular protrusion is used, then material waste is reduced, but connection structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking base body serves multiple functions: it provides the annular protrusion for connection, contains connecting protrusions for additional sheet material attachment, and incorporates buffering grooves for stress absorption. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, offsetting the increased structural complexity with functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular protrusion and connecting protrusions are nested within the locking base body structure, with connecting recesses designed to receive these protrusions. This nested arrangement maximizes connection efficiency while minimizing the overall footprint and material requirements.
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 locking connector system reduces material consumption, enhances mounting speed, and simplifies the replacement process by allowing for random detachment and reattachment of sheet materials without damaging them, while providing a secure and antifriction connection.
Implementation Method 1
providing a buffering function and allowing for resilient deformation to facilitate easy installation and removal
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a locking connector and a sheet material. According to an embodiment, the locking connector includes a locking base body. An annular protrusion is arranged at the middle portion of the locking base body while connecting protrusions are arranged on two sides. The two connecting protrusions are symmetrically located on two sides of the annular protrusion. A mounting groove is arranged between the connecting protrusion and the annular protrusion. The connecting protrusions, the mounting grooves, and the annular protrusion are used for clamping the sheet materials. The sheet materials are mounted, enclosed, and locked tightly in a plurality of directions.