Self-Configuring Cornerlock for Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frame assembly cornerlocks require significant skill and labor to assemble due to varying cross-sectional profiles of frame members, particularly those with arcuate configurations, leading to binding issues and increased assembly time.
Innovation Solution
A cornerlock design featuring rotatable body members with deflectable arms that self-configure to the cross-sectional profile of frame members, increasing frictional retention and simplifying assembly by rotating to fit within the frame members' interiors at mitered ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If locking members are made large to ensure frictional engagement, then retention strength is improved, but insertion difficulty increases due to binding against frame members with varying cross-sectional profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is divided into multiple segments or locking arms that can independently deflect and adjust. This segmentation allows each segment to adapt to the varying cross-sectional profile of the frame member, reducing binding during insertion while maintaining sufficient frictional engagement for retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to change shape or configuration during insertion. The locking arms are designed to deflect elastically, enabling the locking member to adapt its form to match the frame member's cross-sectional profile, thereby facilitating smooth insertion while ensuring secure retention once positioned.
2Adaptability or versatility
If locking members are designed to fit varying cross-sectional profiles, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed with variable geometric parameters, particularly in the cross-sectional dimensions of its locking arms. By incorporating tapered sections and adjustable arm configurations, the locking member can adapt to different cross-sectional profiles of frame members without requiring completely different designs for each profile type.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed as a universal component that can engage with multiple types of frame member cross-sections. Through features such as adjustable locking arms and elastic deflection capabilities, a single locking member design can accommodate various frame member profiles, reducing the need for multiple specialized locking members and simplifying manufacturing.
3Reliability
If manual manipulation is required to facilitate insertion and frictional engagement, then retention reliability is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to perform the insertion and engagement process automatically without requiring manual manipulation. The elastic deflection of the locking arms and the frictional engagement mechanism work together to self-align and self-secure the locking member within the frame member, eliminating the need for operator intervention and significantly increasing assembly speed while maintaining retention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated mechanical system based on elastic deformation and friction. The locking member's arms deflect under their own weight or insertion force, automatically engaging the frame member's profile and creating frictional retention without requiring external manual force, thereby improving both productivity and reliability.
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
The solution reduces the skill and labor required for assembly by allowing the cornerlock to self-configure to varying cross-sectional profiles, ensuring secure retention within frame assemblies of different designs and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one arm deflectable about the hinge end to bias against and engage the first frame member within the interior of the first frame member
Implementation Method 2
increases a frictional force between the first body member and the first frame member and retains the first body member in the interior of the first frame member
Data Source
AI summary
A frame assembly is disposed within an opening of a structure. The frame assembly includes first and second frame members each defining an interior and having a plurality of walls extending between a first end and a second end. The frame assembly includes a cornerlock extending into each of the first and second frame members. The cornerlock includes first and second body members each having hinge and distal ends and are rotatably coupled together at the hinge ends. The first body member has at least one arm deflectable to bias against and engage the first frame member. Each of the first and second frame members has a mitered end. The first and second frame members abut at the mitered ends in an angular configuration. The cornerlock rotates to correspond with the angular configuration and is entirely disposed within a combination of the interiors of the first and second frame members.