Reversible Polymer Screw for Safe Model Kit Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems for components, such as those in model kits, require technical skill and are not suitable for younger children due to the need for precise assembly techniques, which can lead to damage from excessive force application.
Innovation Solution
A connection system featuring a key element with a force transmission head and a screw element with a corresponding force transmission head, designed to allow power transmission while incorporating materials that deform reversibly when excessive force is applied, preventing overtightening and ensuring safe handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional screwing methods are used for model kits, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring technical skill and risk of damage from excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the screw element by using a polymer material with reversible deformation capability instead of traditional metal screws. This allows the screw to deform elastically when excessive force is applied, automatically limiting the tightening force and preventing damage to components while maintaining secure connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw element serves itself by automatically limiting the applied force through its reversible deformation mechanism. When a user applies rotational force, the polymer screw deforms elastically to prevent overtightening, eliminating the need for users to control the force precisely or have technical expertise.
2Ease of operation
If adhesive connection is used for model kits, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to permanent bonding and inability to detach components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic connection system where the screw element can be rotated to tighten or loosen the connection. The polymer material allows the screw to be tightened securely yet detached and reused, providing both the ease of operation of adhesives and the reversibility of mechanical fasteners.
3Strength
If traditional metal screws are used, then strength is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to risk of damage from overtightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of excessive tightening force into a beneficial protective mechanism. The reversible deformation of the polymer screw element acts as a built-in safety feature that limits the maximum force transmitted to the components, preventing damage while maintaining adequate connection strength.
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 safe and easy assembly of components by younger users, as the system automatically limits the applied force, preventing damage to parts and ensuring secure connections without the need for advanced technical skills.
Implementation Method 1
the force transmission head and/or the force receiving head are reversibly deformable when a force greater than a definable maximum force is applied to rotate the key element
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection system for the detachable joining of components, comprising a key element (1) having a force transmission head (2) and a screw element (8) having a force receiving head (9), which can be connected to one another as required by means of correspondingly designed shapes of the force transmission head (2) and the force receiving head (9). Furthermore, at least the force transmission head (2) of the key element (1) has a first material and at least the force receiving head (9) of the screw element (8) has a second material. The first material and the second material are selected such that the force transmission head (2) and/or the force receiving head (9) are reversibly deformable when a force greater than a definable maximum force is applied to rotate the key element (1).Furthermore, the invention relates to an associated connecting element, a kit with such a connecting system, and the use of the kit.