Modular Display Panel Connector Design for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular display systems are costly, labor-intensive to assemble, and restrict customization and replacement of units due to complex attachment mechanisms and rigid connections, often leading to over-tightened pipes and restricted movement of modular units.
Innovation Solution
A display system comprising base panels, collapsible structures, and connectors with swell latches and rubber washers that allow for easy assembly and secure connection of modular units, enabling customizable and stable configurations without permanent attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex rigid connection systems are used to attach modular units, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a connector piece with attachment elements, a receiver piece with receiving features, and a gap indicator mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector piece acts as an intermediary between adjacent modular units, providing a standardized interface that simplifies connection. The receiver piece on each modular unit interfaces with this connector, creating a uniform connection mechanism across all units that is both strong and simple to assemble.
2Stability of the object's composition
If modular units are permanently attached to adjacent units, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability and replacement capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic reversible connection. The connector and receiver pieces are designed to be assembled and disassembled easily, allowing the system to adapt between stable configuration and flexible reconfiguration as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular units can be disconnected and recovered for reuse in different configurations. The standardized connector-receiver interface ensures that units can be easily removed and reattached elsewhere, enabling full adaptability while maintaining structural integrity during use.
3Strength
If connecting pipes are over tightened to secure modular units, then connection strength is improved, but the pipes and modular units suffer damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is designed to self-regulate the tightening force. The receiver piece and connector piece mate together in a way that provides adequate securement without requiring excessive force, preventing damage while ensuring stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection design incorporates features that prevent over-tightening before it occurs. The geometry of the connector and receiver pieces, along with the gap indicator mechanism, provides visual and physical feedback that stops the assembly process at the appropriate tightness level, preventing damage to pipes and modular units.
4Reliability
If complex attachment mechanisms are used, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the connection system into discrete, pre-fabricated components (connector pieces, receiver pieces, gap indicators), the assembly process becomes a simple matter of matching and joining these standardized elements, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining reliability through consistent manufacturing of each component.
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 system facilitates efficient assembly, secure connections, and customizable arrangements, reducing labor costs and preventing damage from over-tightening, while allowing for seamless backdrop creation and unit replacement.
Implementation Method 1
the latch is formed from a swellable material and the latch is inserted into the recess with the latch in an unswealled state and then water is applied to the latch to swell the latch so that the latch secures the modular display panel to the connector
Implementation Method 2
connectors with swell latches and rubber washers that allow for easy assembly and secure connection of modular units
Implementation Method 3
preventing damage from over-tightening
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A display system (1) is provided and include base panel (10), a collapsible structure (20), a structure connector (68), and a base connector (60). The collapsible structure (20) includes a pair of modular display panels (30) with a pair of panel connectors (34) that receive one another. The structure connector (68) includes a pair of planar body sections angled with respect to each and connects to the pair of modular display panels (30). The base connector (60) connects the collapsible structure (20) to the base panel (10) and includes a first planar body section (62a) secured to the collapsible structure (20), a second planar body section (62b) positioned adjacent to the first planar body section (62a) and secured to the collapsible structure (20), and a third planar body section (62c) positioned adjacent to the first planar body section (62a) and the second planar body section (62b) and secured to the base panel (10).