Multi-Connection Bracket With Deforming Grounding Pad

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conveyor system connection brackets require a separate grounding connection, which can be problematic when the electrical washer degrades, especially after dismantling.

Innovation Solution

A multi-connection bracket with a grounding pad featuring a pad recess and a plurality of teeth, which deforms to remove the coating from the rail sections, providing a reliable grounding connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If grounding pad deforms to remove coating, then reliable grounding connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrounding connection reliabilityVSAvoidbracket structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding pad is formed as an integrated part of the bracket structure rather than a separate component. This merging of functions reduces the overall number of parts and assembly steps, offsetting the added complexity of the deformable grounding pad design with simplified manufacturing and assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The grounding pad utilizes elastic deformation as a functional parameter change to achieve its purpose. The pad is designed to deform during assembly, allowing the teeth to penetrate the coating and establish electrical contact. This parameter change approach enables reliable grounding without requiring complex mechanisms or multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution ensures a secure and durable grounding connection between conveyor sections, reducing the risk of electrical issues due to degraded washers.

Implementation Method 1

the grounding pad is configured to deform when operably attached to the first rail section or the second rail section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the plurality of teeth remove a coating of the first rail section or the second rail section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 3

the grounding pad provides a grounding connection to the first rail section or the second rail section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4513683A1Multi-connection bracket
Publication Date: 2025.02.26 INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS LLC
  • EP4513683A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4513683A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4513683A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D

AI summary

Methods, systems, brackets, and/or the like are provided. In some embodiments, a multi-connection bracket (MCB) includes a bracket configured to connect a first rail section and a second rail section, wherein the bracket has one or more bracket recesses configured to receive one or more fasteners; and a grounding pad having a pad recess and a plurality of teeth, wherein the pad recess is aligned with at least one of the one or more bracket recesses, wherein the grounding pad is configured to receive the one or more fasteners such that the grounding pad is operably attached to the first rail section or the section rail section, and wherein the grounding pad is configured to deform when operably attached to the first rail section or the second rail section such that the plurality of teeth remove a coating of the first rail section or the second rail section.