Moulded Corner Joint With Rotating Locking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corner joints in tubular fittings are either aesthetically undesirable or require complex post-processing to remove weld beads, making them difficult to manufacture and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical corner connection using shaped pieces with hook-like extensions and a locking element that rotates to secure the pieces together, eliminating the need for material joining and providing a seamless appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to join corner joints, then strong connection is achieved, but weld bead appears and requires post-treatment removal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the corner joint into separate modular components (first fitting, second fitting, and locking element) that can be assembled without welding. Each component maintains structural integrity while allowing clean, weld-free connections through mechanical interlocking features.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the welding process (thermal/chemical joining) with a mechanical locking system featuring hook-like extensions and a rotatable locking element. This mechanical substitution eliminates weld beads entirely while providing sufficient connection strength for handrail applications.
2Ease of manufacture
If couplings are used to define corner joint appearance, then connection is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the locking mechanism from external view by placing the locking element inside the hollow body of the second fitting. The hook-like extensions are received within the hollow body, hiding all connection features from external observation and creating a seamless aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is nested within the hollow body of the second fitting, with the hook-like extensions received inside the hollow body. This nesting arrangement conceals all mechanical connection features, allowing the corner joint to maintain a clean, continuous appearance from the outside.
3Productivity
If traditional corner joints are used, then assembly is complete, but disassembly and replacement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be rotatable relative to the hollow body, transitioning between a locked position (securing the corner joint) and an unlocked position (allowing disassembly). This dynamic mechanism enables quick replacement of fittings by simply rotating the locking element, dramatically improving maintenance efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design with reversible mechanical locking allows damaged or outdated fittings to be easily discarded and replaced with new ones. The locking mechanism can be quickly unlocked and the old fitting removed, then a new fitting assembled in its place, enabling cost-effective updates and repairs.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a corner joint comprising a first fitting 10 with a first end face 16, wherein at least one hook-like extension 32 extends from the first end face, a second fitting 12 with a second end face 20, wherein the second fitting has a cavity extending from the second end face and a shell wall 36 defining the cavity, which is provided with at least one receiving opening 38 for receiving a hook-like extension, and a locking element 14 which is rotatably mounted in the cavity of the second fitting and which has at least one locking opening 50 which, in a pre-assembly position of the locking element, is aligned with a receiving opening of the second fitting in order to receive the hook-like extension received in the receiving opening.wherein by rotating the locking element into a locking position a hook section 34 of the hook-like extension is engaged by the locking element in order to lock the first molded part to the second molded part.