Modular Beam-Upright Joint With Recessed Keyhole Plates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular building structures with keyhole connections face issues of instability under normal use forces, requiring additional securing measures and compromising aesthetic appeal, especially when connecting wood components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating retaining plates with longitudinal grooves and reverse keyhole-shaped receiving elements that allow secure engagement without additional fasteners, ensuring robustness and aesthetic appeal by using the components' dead weight for connection security and allowing for efficient production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional keyhole connections are used to join modular components, then assembly is simple and tool-free, but the connection becomes unstable under normal use forces requiring additional securing measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric keyhole-shaped receiving elements with specific geometric features (elongated extension with lateral undercut) that create a mechanically interlocking connection. The mushroom-shaped engagement elements have heads that fit through the opening and lock into the undercut, providing stable resistance against forces parallel to the extension direction without requiring additional fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mushroom-shaped engagement elements with curved, rounded heads that interact with the keyhole-shaped receiving elements. The curved geometry of the engagement element head allows for smooth insertion through the opening while the rounded shape distributes loads effectively, enhancing connection stability under various force conditions
2Reliability
If large-dimensioned fittings are used to ensure secure connection of wood components, then connection reliability improves, but aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recesses the mounting plates into the components, creating a nested configuration where the retaining plates are partially or fully embedded within the component material. This nesting approach conceals the connection elements, improving aesthetic appearance while maintaining connection reliability through the interlocking engagement and receiving elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies connection elements with specific geometric features (mushroom-shaped engagement elements with heads and elongated extensions) that concentrate connection forces in localized areas. The keyhole-shaped receiving elements with lateral undercuts provide localized mechanical interlocking, ensuring reliable force transmission without requiring large-dimensioned fittings that would compromise aesthetics
3Reliability
If additional securing fasteners are used to prevent connection loosening, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a self-securing connection system where the mushroom-shaped engagement elements automatically lock into the keyhole-shaped receiving elements during assembly. The geometric interlocking mechanism (head through opening into undercut) provides self-retention without requiring additional fasteners or special tools, maintaining both reliability and construction simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the engagement element and receiving element into a unified interlocking system where the mushroom-shaped head and keyhole-shaped recess with lateral undercut work together as an integrated connection mechanism. This merged design eliminates the need for separate securing fasteners, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable force transmission
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a structure, consisting of structural parts which can be assembled in a modular manner, comprising uprights (2) and beams (1) which can be connected to one another in a releasable manner, wherein connection fittings (3, 4) having a holding plate (6, 7) are arranged on the uprights (2) and on the beams (1), with mushroom-shaped engagement elements (8) and keyhole-shaped receiving elements (9) being provided on said holding plate. The problem addressed by the invention is to specify a solution in which the fundamental advantages of the connection are maintained without having to provide additional securing measures. This problem is solved according to the invention by virtue of the fact that a first holding plate (7) is arranged sunk on an upright (2) and a further holding plate (6) is arranged sunk on a beam (1), in order to connect the upright (2) to the beam (1), and by virtue of the fact that the uprights (2) and/or the beams (1) have, on lateral surfaces, lateral grooves (5) with a depth (t) that corresponds to the thickness (d) of the holding plate (6, 7).