Modular Connector With Multi-Directional Sockets And Tool Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for assembling modular structures, such as those made of timber or synthetic materials, are often fiddly, flimsy, or heavy, making them difficult to assemble and prone to damage when disassembled.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a body with at least one guide for sheet material and multiple sockets for elongate materials, each socket allowing for different orientations and equipped with slots for tool access and holes for securing means to prevent axial movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing connectors are used for assembling modular structures, then the structures can be assembled, but the connectors are fiddly, flimsy, or heavy, making them difficult to assemble and prone to damage when disassembled
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional elements: a body portion, socket portions extending in different directions, slots for tool access, and holes for securing means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall complexity and improving ease of assembly and disassembly without compromising structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
A removable securing means (such as a bolt or pin) acts as an intermediary element that facilitates connection between the connector and elongate members. This intermediary allows for easy assembly and disassembly while distributing mechanical stresses, preventing damage to the connector body and connected members
2Ease of operation
If existing connectors are used for assembling modular structures, then the structures can be assembled, but the connectors are fiddly, flimsy, or heavy, making them difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed with multiple socket portions extending in different directions, allowing a single connector to accommodate multiple elongate members at various angles. This multi-functionality reduces the number of different connector types needed, simplifying the assembly process and reducing complexity while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The slots are pre-formed in the socket walls to provide tool access pathways, and the holes are pre-positioned for securing means. This preliminary preparation of access paths and component positions eliminates the need for complex alignment operations during assembly, making the process simpler and more straightforward
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connector comprising: a body with at least one guide for receiving an edge of a sheet of material and at least two sockets for each receiving an end of a length of material. Each socket opens in a different direction. There is at least one slot extending axially along a wall of each socket a to permit a tool to be inserted through the slot to engage with the elongate length of material and at least one hole through the wall of each socket for passage of a securing means to prevent axial movement of the elongate length of material.