Removable Connecting System with Hidden Gripper Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linkage systems for shelving or display units are unsatisfactory due to visible fixing means, complexity in assembly, reliance on special tools, and difficulty in hiding the fixing mechanisms, leading to aesthetic and practical issues.
Innovation Solution
A removable connecting system featuring a gripper element with movable jaws that engage with a longitudinal groove in the upright, an electric slider for electrical connection, and an actuating lever that stabilizes the gripper element and moves the slider between retracted and advanced positions, allowing for both mechanical and electrical linkage between the crosspiece and upright without visible fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If prior art linkage systems are used to connect crosspiece to upright, then mechanical connection is achieved, but the fixing means remain visible and compromise aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fixing means (gripper element with jaws) into a separate component that can be hidden within the crosspiece structure. The gripper element is housed inside the crosspiece and only engages with the upright when activated, allowing the fixing mechanism to be taken out of view while maintaining connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper element is nested within the crosspiece structure, with the jaws housed inside the crosspiece body. This nesting allows the fixing mechanism to be concealed within the crosspiece while still enabling engagement with the upright when needed, resolving the contradiction between visible fixing means and aesthetic appearance.
2Productivity
If simple coupling systems are used for shelving assembly, then assembly is rapid, but the connection can disassemble through impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic gripper element with movable jaws that can transition between open and closed states. The jaws are biased by a spring to remain engaged with the upright, providing automatic retention and impact resistance while allowing rapid assembly through simple lever activation. This dynamic mechanism maintains both assembly speed and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased jaws provide preliminary anti-action by automatically maintaining engagement pressure on the upright. This pre-applied counter-force prevents the connection from disassembling under impact loads, while the lever mechanism allows rapid override of this resistance for assembly and disassembly operations.
3Shape
If fixing means are hidden from view, then aesthetics improve, but the linkage becomes non-intuitive and difficult to manoeuvre
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary lever mechanism that mediates between the user and the hidden gripper element. The lever provides a visible, intuitive interface for user operation, while the gripper element remains concealed within the crosspiece. This intermediary allows aesthetic concealment of the fixing means while maintaining ease of operation through the lever's mechanical advantage and clear visual feedback.
4Reliability
If prior art systems require special tools for assembly, then connection stability is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the lever-operated gripper element performs the connection function without requiring external tools. The lever provides sufficient mechanical advantage to drive the jaws onto the upright, and the spring-biased engagement maintains stable connection. This self-service approach eliminates tool requirements while maintaining connection reliability through the mechanical design of the gripper element.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a removable linkage system of a crosspiece to an upright comprising a crosspiece (2) having a rectilinear longitudinal extension according to a first predetermined direction (D1), an upright (3) configured to be positioned transversely to the crosspiece (2) at its first longitudinal end (2a), a first slider (4) for mechanical fastening, slidably coupled with the crosspiece (2) and supporting at least one gripper element (14) designed to engage with the upright (3), an actuating lever (8) pivoted on the crosspiece (2) and operatively connected to the first slider (4) for moving it relative to the crosspiece (2).