Modular Support Beam Connector with Male-Female Bracket Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular structures face challenges in easy assembly and structural stability due to the complexity of aligning and securing support beams, which often require users to manually align brackets and supports during assembly.
Innovation Solution
The use of modular systems with brackets featuring male and female portions that correspond to each other, allowing for easy alignment and secure connection, providing visual guides for proper seating and enhanced structural stability through angled and ribbed designs, and allowing for pre-attachment of brackets to supports before delivery for simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If brackets are designed with male and female portions for connection, then assembly ease is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into two distinct connection portions: a male portion with protruding features and a female portion with corresponding recesses. This segmentation allows each portion to be independently manufactured and then easily assembled together, simplifying the overall assembly process while distributing the manufacturing complexity across standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The male and female portions act as intermediary connection elements between support beams and shelves. These standardized interface components mediate the connection process, providing visual alignment guides and physical engagement features that make assembly intuitive without requiring complex adjustment procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If visual guides are added to brackets for alignment, then assembly precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Visual alignment guides are integrated into the bracket design using color coding or contrasting visual features on the male and female portions. These guides provide immediate visual feedback during assembly, ensuring precise alignment without requiring additional manufacturing steps or expensive alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual guides are pre-formed as integral features of the bracket components during manufacturing. This preliminary incorporation of alignment indicators eliminates the need for separate alignment tools or post-assembly adjustments, achieving high precision while maintaining cost-effectiveness through design integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple supports are connected using standardized brackets, then system adaptability is improved, but connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized male and female bracket portions are designed as universal connection interfaces that can accommodate various support beam configurations, shelf types, and load requirements. This universality enables extensive system adaptability and customization while maintaining consistent connection reliability through proven engagement geometries and secure locking features.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems and methods for connecting a first support and a second support. The apparatuses, systems and methods may include a first bracket arranged on the first support and a second bracket arranged on the second support to connect the first support and the second support.