Modular Frame Interconnects With Magnetic Alignment and Anti-Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Temporary assembly of modular frame members is challenging due to difficulty in maintaining alignment and preventing unwanted rotation, especially when assembled by a single person.
Innovation Solution
An interconnect system comprising complementary female and male members with a receptacle and protrusion configuration that allows for selective axial insertion and mating engagement, featuring magnetic attraction and keying to prevent rotation, and securement through mechanical fasteners to stabilize the joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If modular frame members are joined without interconnects, then assembly is simpler, but alignment and stability are difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect system acts as an intermediary component between frame members, providing a mediator that maintains alignment and prevents rotation while enabling straightforward assembly. The interconnect includes alignment features and retention mechanisms that stabilize the joint without complicating the assembly process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple people assist assembly, then alignment is easier to maintain, but the requirement for multiple operators increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect system is designed to be self-aligning and self-retaining, eliminating the need for multiple operators to maintain alignment. The alignment features automatically guide proper positioning, and the retention mechanism automatically prevents rotation once connected, allowing a single operator to complete the assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frame members are temporarily coupled without interconnects, then the structure is more flexible, but unwanted rotation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect system provides dynamic control over the joint characteristics. It allows for easy connection and disconnection (flexibility) while incorporating anti-rotation features such as keyed interfaces or cam locks that prevent unwanted rotation during the temporary assembly period. The system transitions from a loose connection to a stabilized connection through the interconnect's engagement.
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
Facilitates reliable temporary coupling of modular frame members, reducing assembly difficulty and ensuring stability without the need for multiple people, by providing a secure and rotatable-resistant connection.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic element is secured to the protrusion tip. The receptacle includes a ferromagnetic material secured to the receptacle rear wall
Data Source
AI summary
An interconnect system for coupling first and second frame members includes female and male interconnect members. The female interconnect is secured to the first frame member and has defined therein a receptacle. The male interconnect member is secured to the second frame member and defines a protrusion configured for selective axial insertion into, and mating engagement with, the receptacle. The receptacle extends axially between a receptacle opening through which the protrusion is axially received and a receptacle rear wall at which the receptacle terminates. The protrusion terminates at a protrusion tip. The receptacle and protrusion are furthermore configured such that at least one of (a) the receptacle and the protrusion are complementarily keyed in order to prevent relative rotational displacement of the male and female interconnect members when they are in mutual mating engagement, and (b) the protrusion tip is magnetically attracted toward the receptacle rear wall.