Pivoting Rear Panel Connector for Gap-Free Adjustable Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear wall connectors require precise fitting to achieve a gap-free joint, increasing assembly effort and preventing adjustment for exact alignment, and cannot be twisted once inserted, limiting their usability.
Innovation Solution
A rear wall connector with a pivotable rocker arm mechanism that allows for secure anchoring and adjustment, featuring a stud with two vertically projecting walls, one of which is pivotable to clamp the rear wall panel between them, preventing the connector from being pulled out and ensuring a gap-free joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the groove width of the receiving groove corresponds exactly to the panel thickness to achieve a gap-free joint, then the joint appearance is improved, but the assembly effort increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker arm is designed to be pivotable between a starting position and an end position, allowing the connector to be inserted with the rocker arm in a retracted position and then pivoted to clamp the panel securely. This dynamic mechanism enables both easy insertion and secure gap-free joint without requiring precise pre-fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The inside of the second wall is positioned obliquely outwards in the starting position and extends parallel to the longitudinal center plane in the end position. This parameter change in the wall orientation during the pivoting process allows the connector to transition from an easy-insertion state to a secure-clamping state, resolving the contradiction between ease of assembly and gap-free appearance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the rear wall connector is pressed into the bore to prevent twisting, then the positioning stability is improved, but the ability to adjust for exact alignment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable rocker arm mechanism allows the connector to be inserted into the bore with adjustment capability, and then locked into position by pivoting the rocker arm to clamp the panel. This provides both the stability needed for positioning and the adaptability needed for alignment adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker arm is designed to pivot outwards upon insertion to automatically clamp the panel and secure the connector in the bore. This preliminary clamping action occurs during insertion, allowing for easy adjustment before final securing, thus maintaining both stability and adjustability.
3Strength
If the second wall is made rigid to prevent deformation, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to clamp the panel securely is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a rigid first wall rigidly connected to the stud, and a deflectable second wall forming the rocker arm. This segmentation allows the first wall to provide structural strength while the second wall provides the necessary flexibility for clamping the panel securely.
Solution Approach 2:
The second wall is designed to be deflectable and pivotable, allowing it to move and apply clamping force to the panel. The first wall remains rigid to maintain structural integrity. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between rigidity for strength and flexibility for clamping capability.
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
Enables easy and secure assembly of the rear wall panel with reduced assembly effort, allowing for precise alignment and preventing the connector from falling out or being pulled out, while maintaining a gap-free joint and improved stability.
Implementation Method 1
one of the two walls forms the one arm of a rocker which is mounted on the stud such that it is pivotable between a starting position and an end position about an axis which is parallel or almost parallel to the longitudinal direction of the receiving groove
Implementation Method 2
the rocker arm pivots a corresponding distance inwards against the effect of an elastic restoring force so that the rocker arm which is pre-tensioned in this way prevents the rear wall connector from falling out of the bore
Implementation Method 3
As a result of screwing a screw into the openings of the two walls, the deflectable second wall is drawn towards the first wall until a rear wall panel inserted into the receiving groove is clamped between the two walls
Implementation Method 4
The stud and/or the rocker arm particularly preferably each comprise, on their outsides, at least one projection, preferably a plurality of projections, in particular circumferential ribs, e.g. in the form of claws, which can dig into a bore wall
Data Source
AI summary
A rear wall/panel connector includes a stud, which has a receiving groove and two walls projecting vertically from the stud on both sides of the receiving groove. The two walls each have an opening configured for screwing in a screw. One of the two walls forms an arm of a rocker which is mounted on the stud wherein it is pivotable between a starting position and an end position about an axis which is parallel or almost parallel to the longitudinal direction of the receiving groove. The inside of the second wall is positioned obliquely outwards with respect to the longitudinal center plane of the receiving groove in the starting position and extends parallel to the longitudinal center plane in the end position. The other rocker arm projects outwards over the stud, at least in the end position.