Quick Fastening Assembly With Anti-Uncoupling Translation Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick connection and fastening systems for structures like shelving systems and furniture lack reliability against accidental uncoupling, require complex assembly processes, and often have unsightly or bulky designs, failing to meet the needs of functionality, ease of assembly, and aesthetic considerations.

Innovation Solution

A quick connection and fastening system comprising two components that can be easily connected and disconnected by translating one inside the other, with counteracting means to prevent accidental uncoupling, featuring a reduced number of parts, simple construction, and compact dimensions, allowing for easy assembly and reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional anchorage elements are fixed in advance using screws, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the connection function into two independent components: a first component with anchorage elements and a second component with receiving elements. These components can be manufactured and prepared separately, then quickly assembled by simply bringing them together, eliminating the need for on-site screw fixation while maintaining connection reliability through the complementary geometry of the two components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchorage elements and receiving elements are pre-configured on separate components during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the components to be quickly connected by simply aligning and joining them, without requiring time-consuming screw assembly or complex fastening operations during the actual installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If screws and anchors are used for fastening, then the connection strength is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the fastening function from visible screw heads and anchor points, embedding the anchorage elements within the first component and the receiving elements within the second component. The connection is achieved through the interface between these two components, which can be designed to have a clean, screw-free appearance while maintaining strong mechanical connection through the integrated anchorage and receiving elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If complex coupling systems are used to prevent accidental uncoupling, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-uncoupling reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements anti-uncoupling protection through localized geometric features on the anchorage elements and receiving elements. The specific shape and configuration of these features provide inherent mechanical interlocking and prevention of accidental separation, without requiring additional complex locking mechanisms or multiple components. The protection is built into the basic connection geometry itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2831431B1Quick fastening and/or connection system.
Publication Date: 2016.11.02 BRUN(IT)
  • EP2831431B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2831431B1 patent drawingFigure 1c
  • EP2831431B1 patent drawingFigure 1d~1h

AI summary

The invention concerns a quick connection and/or fastening system suited to mutually connect and disconnect a first and a second element, said system comprising a first and a second component that are suited to be rigidly fixed to said first and said second element, respectively, said first component and said second component being also suited to be mutually connected and disconnected in such a way as to alternatively allow said first and said second element to be mutually connected and disconnected, said second component being suited to house an end portion of said first component in such a way as to allow its translation inside said second component, said second component comprising also counteracting means suited to counteract the translation of said end portion of said first component towards the outside of said second component.