Pipe-Mounted Coupler to Prevent Hook Damage and Uneven Drape Walls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Exhibit booths constructed with tubular frameworks and hook-and-slot systems often have a bumpy appearance due to height differences and suffer from steel hooks tearing into aluminum uprights, leading to functional and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A pipe-mounted coupler with a locking protrusion and connection bridge that secures onto the end of a vertical pipe, allowing industry standard hooks to be inserted at a wider angle, preventing damage and enabling uniform accessory mounting, while allowing multiple rods to be connected in parallel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steel hooks are inserted into narrow slots in aluminum uprights, then connection is achieved, but the hooks tear into the uprights causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pipe-mounted coupler as an intermediary component between the steel hook and the aluminum upright. The coupler distributes the load over a wider area of the upright, preventing the steel hook from concentrating force on a narrow slot and tearing into the aluminum material.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the connection interface by providing a wider opening on the coupler compared to the narrow slots in traditional uprights. This parameter change allows the steel hook to engage without excessive stress concentration, eliminating the tearing effect while maintaining connection integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vertical members have varying heights to accommodate accessories, then accessory mounting is enabled, but a bumpy appearance results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the appearance issue by moving accessory mounting capabilities to a different dimension - specifically, to the end of the vertical pipe rather than at varying heights along the pipe. The pipe-mounted coupler provides a uniform termination point that maintains aesthetic consistency while enabling accessory attachment through its opening and connection bridges.
3Device complexity
If narrow slots are used for hook insertion, then structural simplicity is maintained, but insertion angle is limited making connection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the angular parameter of the insertion opening, providing a wider opening angle on the pipe-mounted coupler compared to narrow vertical slots. This allows hooks to be inserted from multiple angles and orientations, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of standard fasteners and hooks.
Data Source
AI summary
The pipe-mounted coupler enables industry standard hooks on horizontal rods and other accessories to rest at such a height as to provide uniform appearance to the top of drape walls. The pipe-mounted coupler mounts on a pipe or rod vertical end to allow one or more accessory connections to be affixed to the vertical pipe. The pipe-mounted coupler includes a locking protrusion that is insertable into a slotted opening on the pipe end to allow the pipe-mounted coupler to be secured onto the pipe end allowing minimal vertical movement or horizontal twisting.