Quick-Release Frame Joint Coupling for Rigid Repeated Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frame joint systems for display frames are prone to structural integrity issues due to loose parts and wear, making them difficult to assemble and disassemble, especially in temporary display setups where frequent handling and reassembly are required.
Innovation Solution
A quick release coupling system using sleeve members and a gripping member that securely locks frame members together without loose parts, providing spatial and angular separation from the joint plane to resist torsional forces, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional brackets and fasteners are used to secure frame members, then the joint strength is improved, but the device complexity and number of loose parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket and fastener functions are merged into a single integrated quick release coupling mechanism. The coupling includes a body with an internal threading structure that directly engages with the frame member, eliminating the need for separate brackets and fasteners while maintaining joint strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick release coupling is designed as a universal connector that can secure various frame members through a single standardized interface. The coupling body incorporates multiple functional elements including engagement threads, locking mechanisms, and release features all in one component that serves both structural and fastening purposes.
2Reliability
If traditional fasteners are used, then the joint reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling incorporates a dynamic quick-release mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. A movable locking element can be quickly actuated to engage or disengage the threading structure, allowing the joint to be securely fastened or rapidly released without complex manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling design includes self-aligning and self-securing features where the threading structure automatically guides the frame member into proper engagement position. The locking mechanism self-engages when the member is inserted, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment or multiple fastening steps.
3Manufacturing precision
If brackets are mounted with screws, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body is pre-manufactured with the internal threading structure and locking mechanism already integrated and precision-machined. This preliminary preparation of the coupling component allows for rapid field assembly without requiring on-site drilling, threading, or multiple fastening operations, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while dramatically improving assembly productivity.
4Ease of operation
If interlaced fingers are used for quick release, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is constructed from high-strength materials with optimized structural geometry that combines the quick-release functionality with robust load-bearing capacity. The integrated design uses material distribution and structural reinforcement to maintain joint strength comparable to traditional bolted connections while enabling rapid release operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame joint system including a first frame member and a second frame member. The frame members include laterally opening channels running axially thereof. The frame members are adapted to be rigidly secured together by quick release coupling. Embodiments of the frame joint system include mitered corner, end-to-face, face-to-face and end-to-end joints. The quick release coupling includes at least a first sleeve member and a gripping member. The gripping member is nested within the first sleeve member, and the first sleeve member is nested within the first frame member. The gripping member includes gripping elements that mate with a slot in a box rail element fixedly associated with the second frame member. Activating the gripping elements pulls the two frame members together into a rigid joint.