Plug-Connected Frame Assembly Kit for Tool-Free Construction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional frame assembly kits for construction require additional tools for on-site assembly, occupy significant space during transportation, and often need two people to carry, increasing the risk of damage and labor costs.

Innovation Solution

A frame assembly kit comprising a permanent and temporary frame section connected via plug connections, with a fixation device that transitions from a two-dimensional to three-dimensional geometry for secure mounting without tools, allowing for compact disassembly and easy transportation by one person.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a pre-assembled frame is transported to the site, then the frame structure is complete and ready for installation, but the frame occupies significant space and requires two people to carry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe assembly completenessVSAvoidtransportation volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple individual members (vertical members, horizontal members, diagonal members) that can be transported separately and assembled on-site using connection elements. This segmentation reduces the volume required for transportation while maintaining the structural integrity of the complete frame assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Frame members are designed to nest within each other during transportation, with smaller members fitting inside larger members. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall volume required for transporting the complete frame set while ensuring all components are securely protected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If a pre-assembled frame is transported, then the frame structure is complete, but it increases the risk of damage to the surrounding and the frame itself

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe assembly completenessVSAvoiddamage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the frame into individual members for transport, each member is smaller and more manageable, reducing the risk of damage during handling. The connection elements are designed to securely join members on-site, ensuring structural integrity while minimizing damage risks during transportation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame members are designed with protective features and cushioning elements built-in before transportation. Connection elements include protective caps and cushioning materials that prevent damage during handling and transport, while maintaining the ability to assemble a complete structural frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If additional tools are used for on-site assembly, then the frame can be properly assembled and fixed, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe assembly capabilityVSAvoidassembly tool requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection elements integrate multiple functions into a single component: they provide structural connection, alignment guidance, and fixation capability all in one element. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate tools for alignment, connection, and fixation, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining frame assembly capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection elements are designed to be self-aligning and self-fixing, requiring no additional tools or complex assembly procedures. The members and connection elements work together to automatically align and secure the frame structure during assembly, reducing both tool requirements and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Strength

If a conventional frame is used, then the frame provides structural support, but it requires significant storage space during transportation and installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural support capabilityVSAvoidstorage volume
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The structurally sound frame is segmented into individual members that can be compactly stored and transported. The connection elements maintain the structural integrity of the complete frame when assembled, ensuring that the segmented components provide the same structural support capability as a conventional solid frame while occupying minimal storage space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2607597B1Frame assembly kit and method for manufacturing and mounting said frame
Publication Date: 2013.12.11 CARPINTERIA LAINO
  • EP2607597B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2607597B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2607597B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a frame assembly kit 100 for construction work, to a fixation device 40 mountable on the frame assembly kit 100, to a method for manufacturing and for mounting a frame assembly kit. The frame assembly kit 100 comprises a permanent frame section 10 and a temporary frame section 20. The temporary frame section is utilized for stabilizing the permanent frame section 10 in an operating mode of the frame assembly kit 100. The frame assembly kit 100 comprises at least three outer members 11, 12, 13, forming a frame and at least one inner member 21, 22 stabilizing the frame. All members are connected to each other via plug connections 31, 32, 33.