Universal connecting rod assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current products are limited to single-use applications and require separate materials, leading to material waste and inefficiencies in production and shipment due to their fixed designs and sizes, which cannot be repurposed for various necessities or supplies.
Innovation Solution
A universal connecting rod assembly comprising multiple elongated rods with multi-angle connection portions and hexagonal holes allows for adjustable connections, enabling the formation of various daily necessities and commercial supplies such as hangers, flagpoles, and display stands from a common set of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate materials are used for each product, then each product can be made with specific materials, but material waste occurs and materials cannot be reused for other purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized rod component that can serve multiple product functions. The rod with standardized connection structures (slots, grooves, trenches, notches) can be assembled into different products such as hangers, advertising signs, flagpoles, frames, display racks, and billboards, replacing the need for separate materials for each product type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of rod materials by designing disassemblable connection structures. After a product reaches the end of its useful life, the rods can be disconnected and reused for other purposes, preventing material waste and extending the lifecycle of the components
2Ease of operation
If complete products are shipped, then products are ready for use, but shipment volume restrictions double the cost and cause logistical trouble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing complete products into standardized rod components that can be shipped separately and assembled locally. This reduces shipment volume and allows flexible assembly of different product configurations from the same set of segmented rod components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of products by shipping modular rod components that can be assembled into different product forms based on local needs, rather than shipping fixed complete products. This dynamic assembly capability reduces logistics costs and increases operational flexibility
3Ease of manufacture
If products are made from fixed designs, then manufacturing is simplified, but products cannot be repurposed for various necessities or supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality through standardized rod components with consistent connection features (slots, grooves, trenches, notches) that maintain manufacturing simplicity while enabling the same rods to be used for multiple product types including hangers, signs, flagpoles, frames, and display racks
Data Source
AI summary
A universal connecting rod assembly contains: multiple elongated rods, and a respective one elongated rod includes an upper face and a lower face opposite to the upper face. The upper face has a slot and a first male multi-angle connection portion. The lower face has a groove and a first female multi-angle connection portion. The upper face also has at least one trench and a second male multi-angle connection portion. The lower face has at least one notch defined and a second female multi-angle connection portion. In addition, the at least one notch is not aligned with the at least one trench. The respective one elongated rod further includes multiple spaced through orifices passing therethrough, and a respective one through orifice has at least one hexagonal hole defined on at least one end thereof.