Plate Connector With Eccentric Actuation for Tight-Space Corner Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors are not suitable for use in constrained spaces and do not provide a secure and reliable connection, especially when connecting asymmetrical workpieces like plate-shaped components forming a corner.
Innovation Solution
A plate-shaped or flat bar-shaped connector with eccentrically arranged actuation interfaces and engagement elements that engage undercuts in the workpieces, allowing for a compact, reliable connection with low mechanical stress and improved accessibility, featuring a mechanism for transitioning between connection and release states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional connector is used to connect workpieces, then the connection provides basic mechanical strength, but it cannot be used in constrained spaces and creates high mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a traditional three-dimensional bulky form to a two-dimensional plate-shaped structure. This dimensional reduction allows the connector to fit into constrained spaces where conventional connectors cannot be installed, while maintaining connection reliability through the plate-shaped design that distributes forces across a larger surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation interface is positioned eccentrically rather than centrally on the connector plate. This asymmetric positioning optimizes accessibility for specific application scenarios, allowing the actuation interface to be reached from directions that would be blocked by a symmetric central positioning, thereby improving ease of operation in constrained spaces.
2Reliability
If engagement elements are positioned to engage undercuts in workpieces, then connection reliability is improved, but the connector becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple engagement elements are integrated into a single plate-shaped connector body rather than being separate components. This merging reduces the overall number of parts and simplifies the connector structure while maintaining the positive connection reliability provided by multiple engagement points with the workpiece undercuts.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate-shaped connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, distributes mechanical loads, enables positive connection through engagement elements, and allows for actuation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the actuation interface is positioned centrally on the connector, then the connector is symmetric and simpler to manufacture, but accessibility is reduced in asymmetrical workpiece configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation interface is deliberately positioned eccentrically on the plate-shaped connector rather than at the center. This asymmetric positioning allows the connector to be optimized for specific application scenarios where accessibility from certain directions is required, improving ease of operation in asymmetrical workpiece configurations while accepting increased manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector (56) for mechanically connecting a first workpiece and a second workpiece is described. The connector (56) is plate-shaped or flat bar-shaped and comprises a first engagement element (78) for engaging a first undercut of a first coupling groove and a second engagement element (80) for engaging a second undercut of a second coupling groove. Moreover, the connector 56 comprises an actuation body (86) for selectively bringing the connector (56) in a connection state in which the first engagement element (78) is positioned to engage the first undercut and the second engagement element (80) is positioned to engage the second undercut, and for selectively bringing the connector (56) in a release state in which the first engagement element (78) is configured to be withdrawn from the first undercut and the second engagement element (80) is configured to be withdrawn from the second undercut. An actuation interface (94) is provided on the actuation body (86). The actuation interface (94) is arranged eccentrically along an insertion direction (D). Moreover, an assembly is presented, the assembly comprising the first workpiece, the second workpiece and the connector (56). Additionally, a method for operating a connector (56) is explained.