Connecting means and method for connecting two components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting means for furniture or machine parts lack simplicity and stability in connecting components, often requiring complex mechanisms or tools for secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A connecting means featuring non-self-tapping retaining projections with curved support surfaces that fit into grooves with circular-arc shaped undercut surfaces, allowing for a simple and stable connection between components, with optional screw elements and securing devices for additional security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If self-tapping retaining projections are used, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to complex tooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the self-tapping function from the retaining projections, extracting the complex threading mechanism and replacing it with simple non-self-tapping projections that engage with pre-formed grooves. This separation of functions allows the projections to be manufactured independently without specialized self-tapping tooling, while the groove geometry provides the necessary anchoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into two distinct components: retaining projections on one component and corresponding grooves with undercut portions on the other component. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured using simpler, more conventional processes, while the combined geometry achieves the required connection stability through the interlocking projection-groove interface.
2Reliability
If complex connecting mechanisms are used, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into basic geometric forms - simple retaining projections and matching grooves with undercut portions. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex multi-component assemblies while maintaining connection stability through the interlocking geometry of the projections engaging the undercut portions of the grooves.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using protruding features that tap into material, the patent inverts the approach by using grooves with undercut portions that actively engage the retaining projections. This inversion simplifies the retaining projections while the groove geometry provides the complex anchoring function through its undercut portions extending from the base portion.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting means by means of which two components can be connected to each other simply and stably. According to the invention the connecting means comprises one or more connecting elements, which are arranged on at least one of the components in a connecting state and/or anchoring state, wherein at least one connecting element comprises non-self-cutting retaining projections, which each have a curved supporting surface, which has the shape of a circular arc in a longitudinal section, wherein the retaining projections can be inserted into a groove provided on one of the components, which groove has a curved undercut surface that has the shape of a circular arc in a longitudinal section, wherein the groove has a base segment and two undercut segments extending away from the base segment in a thickness direction and wherein the retaining projections engage in the undercut segments of the groove in the connecting state and/or anchoring state, wherein the connecting means comprises a magnet element, which can be driven to move linearly within the connecting means by means of a time-varying driving magnetic field that acts on the magnet element from outside of the connecting means, wherein at least one retaining element can be driven to move linearly in relation to a housing or main body of a connecting element by means of the magnet element, and wherein the magnet element can be periodically driven such that at least one retaining element of the connecting means can be actuated, in particular can be brought into a release position and/or a retaining position, by means of the magnet element.