Panel-to-Strut Connector With Adjustable Holding Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for attaching panels to support struts in furniture lack manageability and variability, as they often rely on elastic deformation of holding legs which limits assembly and disassembly flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The connecting device features adjustable holding legs that are free of self-deformation, allowing for relative movement, and includes a sliding guide mechanism with a latching system and elastic elements to ensure secure attachment and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If holding legs are designed with elastic deformation to enable snap-on assembly, then assembly ease is improved, but manageability and variability deteriorate due to limited adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The holding legs are designed with a sliding guide mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment between fixed positions, enabling the connecting device to adapt to different panel thicknesses and configurations while maintaining secure attachment through elastic elements at the extremes of movement
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element is divided into multiple independent holding legs that can move relative to each other along the sliding guide, allowing each leg to be adjusted independently to accommodate varying support strut dimensions and panel thicknesses
2Reliability
If holding legs are made rigid for structural stability, then reliability is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates due to inability to deform for snap-on mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The holding legs transition from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where rigidity is maintained during operation but adjustability is enabled through the sliding guide mechanism during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding guide acts as an intermediary mechanism between the rigid holding legs and the assembly process, providing the necessary movement freedom during installation while maintaining structural stability during use
3Adaptability or versatility
If holding legs are made adjustable for variability, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The holding legs utilize the weight of the panel and the geometry of the sliding guide to automatically position themselves in the appropriate adjustment position during assembly, eliminating the need for complex motors or actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic elements serve as intermediaries that translate the simple sliding movement into secure attachment, providing the necessary holding force without requiring complex locking mechanisms
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
This design enhances the manageability and variability of the connecting device, enabling easier assembly and disassembly while maintaining a secure attachment of the panel to the support strut, improving usability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the holding legs 4, 5 has an elastic element 15 on the support strut side
Data Source
Figure 1~7
Figure 8~19
AI summary
The device has a retaining unit connected to a plate and a supporting rod, where the retaining unit has a holding retainer that is limited by two retaining side pieces (4, 5) and is axially parallel to the supporting rod. The holding retainer is provided for partially enveloping the supporting rod. The retaining side pieces for mounting and/or demounting the plate on and/or from a supporting frame are designed in an adjustable manner.