Rotating Connector System for Display Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display frame connectors, such as tubular plastic frames and screws, often deform the intersection area and require tools like screwdrivers, leading to inconvenience and potential gaps during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with a main portion and rotatable connecting portions that slide along a receiving slot to lock with supporting frames, featuring a middle portion, operating element, and retaining portion to connect adjacent frames without damaging the intersection area or requiring tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If tubular plastic supporting frames are pressed to be connected, then the frames can be coupled to form a framework, but the area of intersection between two frames may be deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connector as an intermediary component between two supporting frames. The connector includes a body with a through hole and a locking mechanism that slides along a receiving slot. This mediator allows the frames to be connected without direct pressing contact, thereby preventing deformation of the intersection area while maintaining ease of assembly through a simple slide-lock operation.
2Reliability
If screws are used to fix the supporting frames, then the frames can be securely connected, but the surface of the frames is injured and tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw-based mechanical fastening system with a sliding locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a locking portion that slides along a receiving slot and locks into place, eliminating the need for screws and screwdrivers. This substitution maintains connection stability while significantly improving assembly convenience by removing the need for tools and preventing surface injury.
3Reliability
If screws are used to connect frames, then the frames can be fixed, but if a screw is lost, a gap appears at the area of intersection during reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection function and the locking function into a single integrated connector assembly. The locking mechanism is built into the connector body, which remains attached to one of the frames. This integration ensures that the entire connection component is retained during disassembly and reassembly, eliminating the risk of losing small fastening elements like screws and preventing gaps at the intersection area.
4Ease of operation
If a connector with rotatable connecting portions is used, then tool-free connection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements into the connector, specifically rotatable connecting portions that can pivot between locked and unlocked positions. These dynamic components enable tool-free operation by allowing users to simply push and rotate the connecting portions to secure or release the frames. While this adds some structural complexity, the design keeps the mechanism simple and intuitive, maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A display frame includes at least one supporting frame having a receiving slot; at least one connector having a main portion and at least two connecting portions rotatably arranged on the main portion; wherein the connecting portions can slide along the receiving slot to lock the connecting portion of the supporting frame.