Profile Connection Device Lever Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for assembling two profiles require significant actuation force and numerous parts, making them difficult to use for quick assembly and disassembly in applications like exhibition equipment and furniture.
Innovation Solution
A connection device utilizing a rotary lever connected to a spacer member via three axes of rotation, where the distance between the axes is variable, and a connecting rod with a stronger gear ratio, allowing the spacer member to move between the jaws, reducing the need for a movable pin and simplifying actuation by using a spring for biasing the abutment element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cam means with lever and movable pin are used to separate the jaws, then the jaws can be moved apart, but the actuation requires considerable force and complex mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the movable pin from the mechanism. Instead of using a movable pin with cam means to separate the jaws, the patent uses a fixed pin with a lever that directly acts on the jaws through a different mechanical principle, reducing the number of moving parts and simplifying the actuation mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional cam mechanism by using a lever that acts directly on the fixed pin and jaws rather than using cam means with a movable pin. This inversion simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for complex cam profiles and reducing the actuation force required
2Reliability
If fixed cage and movable pin are implemented, then the connection device can function, but the structure becomes complex and requires more parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of the movable pin and the cage into a single integrated structure. The fixed pin is directly associated with the lever mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate movable pin component and reducing the overall number of parts while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The lever serves multiple functions: it acts on the fixed pin to separate the jaws, provides mechanical advantage for actuation, and integrates with the cage structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device design
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
The solution reduces the actuation force required to pivot the lever and minimizes the number of parts, enabling easier and more efficient assembly and disassembly of structures and furniture with reduced physical effort.
Implementation Method 1
the abutment element is biased towards the jaws by a spring which bears against the cage
Implementation Method 2
the actuating means move the spacer member between the jaws... the rotary lever is connected to the spacer member by the first axis of rotation
Implementation Method 3
the connecting rod whose gear ratio is much stronger... reduces the actuating force necessary to pivot the lever
Implementation Method 4
the eccentric disc supported by the lever in the document FR-2 721 377 A1 has been replaced by a connecting rod whose gear ratio is much stronger
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Connection device (D) for assembling a first receiving profile (P1) having an internal cavity (C) and a second hooking profile (P2) having at least one groove (G) having a narrowed opening (O), the connection device (D) being intended to be fixedly received in the internal cavity (C) of the receiving profile (P1) and comprising a cage (1) forming a pair of jaws (10) intended to engage in the groove (G) of the hooking profile (P2) through its narrowed opening (O), the device (D) comprising a spreader member (2) for spreading the jaws (10) and actuating means (3, 4) for effecting a relative displacement between the spreader member (2) and the jaws (10), these actuating means comprising a rotating lever (3) about a first axis of rotation (A1),characterized in that the actuation means further comprise a connecting rod (4) connected to the lever (3) by a second axis of rotation (A2) and to a stop element (5) by a third axis of rotation (A3), the three axes of rotation (A1, A2, A3) being parallel, the distance between the first axis (A1) and the third axis (A3) being variable by actuating the lever (3).