Pivoting Elbow Joint Connector With Radial Locking Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular handrail systems face challenges with connection strength, durability, and ease of assembly due to stress from loading and material expansion/contraction, particularly at joints where members extend in different directions, necessitating improved joint connectors that enhance holding forces and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
The elbow joint connector employs a locking mechanism with divergent and convergent translating locking members and a bolt system to apply radial holding forces, allowing for manual tightening and loosening, and is designed for easy assembly and disassembly, with the ability to pivot between 73° and 180° configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metal joints are used to ensure connection strength, then reliability is improved, but weight and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elbow joint connector uses a composite construction combining metal reinforcement elements (embedded within the plastic body) to provide structural strength while the plastic matrix reduces overall weight. This allows the joint to meet strength requirements without using solid metal construction throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector concentrates reinforcement material at critical stress points and interfaces where strength is needed most, rather than uniformly throughout the entire joint. The plastic body provides sufficient strength in non-critical areas while keeping weight low.
2Reliability
If permanent bonding is used to ensure connection durability, then reliability is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from an unlocked state (where the connector can be freely inserted) to a locked state (where radial holding forces secure the connection). The mechanism allows reversible transformation between these states, enabling both easy assembly and secure, durable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and secure the connector to the adjoining member through the application of radial holding forces, eliminating the need for separate bonding operations while ensuring durable connection upon activation.
3Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are used to improve connection strength, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated mechanism within the connector rather than being integrated into the basic connector body. This modular approach allows the locking mechanism to be optimized for strength while keeping the overall connector design manageable and maintainable.
4Strength
If heavy-duty materials are used to withstand loading stresses, then strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs composite construction with metal reinforcement elements embedded in a plastic body, providing high strength-to-weight ratio. The metal reinforcement handles critical stress zones while the plastic reduces overall mass compared to solid metal construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement materials are strategically placed at locations experiencing highest stresses during loading, rather than uniformly distributing material throughout the connector. This optimizes strength where needed while minimizing unnecessary weight in low-stress areas.
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 solution enhances connection strength, durability, and safety by applying greater radial holding forces at common failure points, reducing material weight, and simplifying assembly and disassembly processes while maintaining structural integrity under varying loads and temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
applying greater radial holding forces to adjoining members with increased material at common failure points
Implementation Method 2
a wedge effect is achieved as the bolt is rotated in the first rotative direction and the locking mechanism is press-fit within the adjoining member
Implementation Method 3
detachably couple two elbow joint connectors of an elbow joint with 108° of articulation therebetween, with the elbow joint connectors pivotable from a first configuration in which an angle between respective center axes thereof is 73° to a second configuration in which the angle between the respective center axes thereof is 180°
Data Source
AI summary
An elbow joint connector includes an elbow portion and a locking mechanism detachably coupled to a distal end of the elbow portion. The locking mechanism including a pair of locking members translatable relative to one another along an interface transverse to a longitudinal axis of the elbow joint connector. Divergent translation of the pair of locking members relative to one another along the interface increases a portion of an outer periphery of the locking mechanism to lock the elbow portion to an adjoining member. The elbow joint connector is configured for detachable coupling to an adjoining elbow joint connector and pivotally rotatable relative thereto from a first configuration in which respective center axes of the connectors form an acute angle to a second configuration in which the respective center axes are collinear.