Modular Security Enclosure with Pivot Joints and Self-Locking Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enclosures for creating play areas for children and pets lack flexibility in configuration and ease of assembly/disassembly for storage or transport, requiring complex assembly processes and lacking in user-friendly separation techniques.
Innovation Solution
A modular security enclosure system comprising identical wall units with male and female edge connectors, pivot joints, and a locking mechanism that allows for easy assembly into various shapes and disassembly for storage or transport, utilizing a one-handed separation technique.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wall units are connected using traditional fastening methods, then the enclosure provides stable structure, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into modular wall units that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each wall unit contains integrated connection features (rings, posts, locking caps) that enable simple coupling between segments without requiring external fasteners or complex tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is designed to be self-assembling through gravity-assisted alignment and self-locking features. The locking cap automatically secures the connection when the wall units are brought together, eliminating the need for manual fastening operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wall units are designed with fixed connection points, then the structure maintains stability, but the enclosure loses flexibility in configuration and shape variation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system allows wall units to be joined at variable positions and angles. The rotating connection mechanism enables the enclosure to be reconfigured into different shapes (hexagon, octagon, rectangle, circle) while maintaining structural integrity through the locking cap that secures each connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
Each wall unit is designed with universal connection features (rings and posts) that can interface with any other wall unit regardless of position or orientation. This allows the same modular components to create multiple enclosure configurations and shapes using the same connection mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the enclosure uses permanent fastening methods, then the structure remains stable during use, but disassembly for storage or transport becomes difficult and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The locking cap is designed as a removable component that can be easily detached from the connection point. Removing the locking cap releases the wall units from their locked position, enabling quick disassembly without requiring tools or complex maneuvers while maintaining strong connection during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking cap acts as an intermediary element between the two wall units. It provides the connection strength needed for structural stability during use, yet can be easily removed to allow disassembly. The cap mediates between the need for strong connection and easy separation.
4Productivity
If traditional connection mechanisms are used, then the enclosure provides sufficient structural integrity, but the effort and time required for assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is designed to align naturally when wall units are brought together, with gravity assisting the alignment process. The rings and posts are positioned to automatically guide each other into the correct orientation, minimizing the force and effort required by the assembler.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking cap automatically secures the connection when the wall units are properly aligned and brought together. The self-locking feature eliminates the need for additional fastening actions, reducing both the time and effort required for assembly compared to traditional fastening methods.
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 provides a flexible and user-friendly solution for creating various enclosure shapes while allowing easy disassembly and reconfiguration, reducing the effort required for assembly and disassembly, and enabling efficient storage and transport.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic deflectable retainer tab, a root end of which is coupled to the post-support platform to free the retainer tab to bend toward and away from the vertical pivot axis during movement of the pivot post of the right wall unit into and out of the post-receiving channel formed in the companion ring of the left wall unit
Implementation Method 2
establish a pivot joint between the right and left wall units so that the left wall unit is free to pivot about a vertical pivot axis relative to the right wall unit to vary the included angle between the right and left wall units
Implementation Method 3
These ratchet teeth are associated with the female-edge connector of the left wall unit and are arranged to extend radially inwardly toward a pivot post associated with the male-edge connector of an adjacent right wall unit to establish a pivot joint between the right and left wall units
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-sided security enclosure includes several wall units. The wall units are connected to one another in series to form a closed space bounded by the interconnected wall units. Each wall unit includes connectors and a pivot joint between wall units so that they may rotate about a vertical pivot axis to vary the included angle therebetween.