Cornerlock having a self configurable first body member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cornerlocks for frame assemblies require significant skill and labor to assemble due to the need for manipulation of locking members to facilitate insertion and frictional engagement, which increases manufacturing time and is not suitable for frame assemblies with varying cross-sections.
Innovation Solution
A cornerlock design featuring a first body member with a leg resistant to deflection and an arm that deflects upon engagement, allowing the cornerlock to self-configure to the frame member's cross-section, increasing frictional force and simplifying assembly across different designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking members are made large to ensure frictional engagement with frame members, then engagement reliability is improved, but insertion difficulty increases requiring manipulation by force
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member incorporates a deflectable arm that can dynamically change its position and shape during insertion. The arm deflects to allow passage through the frame member interior and then returns to its original position to engage the locking surfaces, enabling the locking member to adapt to different frame member dimensions while maintaining frictional engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member's geometry is designed to change during the insertion process. The arm's deflection changes the effective dimensions of the locking member, allowing it to be inserted more easily and then lock securely once in position. This parameter change enables the locking member to accommodate varying frame member cross-sections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If locking members are designed to fit various frame member cross-sections, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases requiring skill and labor for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to automatically adjust and configure itself within the frame member during insertion. The deflectable arm self-adjusts to the frame member's cross-section without requiring manual manipulation or skill-based assembly operations. The spring mechanism automatically provides the necessary force for engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member uses a dynamic arm that can deflect and adapt to different frame member geometries. This dynamic capability allows a single locking member design to work with various cross-sections while maintaining simple assembly procedures, as the adaptability is built into the component's physical behavior rather than requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual manipulation is required to facilitate insertion and frictional engagement, then assembly precision can be achieved, but productivity decreases due to increased time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member automatically performs the insertion and engagement functions through its own mechanical properties. The deflectable arm and spring mechanism work together to guide the locking member into the frame member and secure it in position without requiring manual manipulation, thereby maintaining assembly precision while significantly reducing the time and skill required.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual manipulation with an automated mechanical system consisting of the deflectable arm and spring mechanism. This mechanical substitution performs the functions previously requiring human skill and effort, enabling faster assembly while maintaining the precision needed for proper locking engagement.
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 self-configuring mechanism reduces the skill and labor required for assembly, facilitates easy insertion into varying cross-sections, and ensures secure retention of the cornerlock within the frame assembly, regardless of design variations.
Implementation Method 1
The arm is deflectable about the proximal end, and is configured to immediately deflect upon engagement with the first frame member for engaging the leg with one of the plurality of walls and biasing the arm into engagement with another one of the plurality of walls
Implementation Method 2
the deflection of the arm caused by engagement with the first frame member facilitates the bias exerted by the arm against the first frame member, which increases a frictional force between leg and the arm of the first body member with the first frame member and retains the first body member in the interior void
Data Source
AI summary
A cornerlock is used with a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes first and second frame members each having walls defining interior voids. The cornerlock extends into the interior void of each of the first and second frame members. The cornerlock comprises first and second body members mating with the interior voids of the first and second frame members, respectively. Each body member has proximal and distal ends and are rigidly fixed to one another. The first body member has a leg and an arm both extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The leg is resistant to deflection. The arm is deflectable about the proximal end and immediately deflects upon engagement with the first frame member for engaging the leg with one of the plurality of walls and biasing the arm into engagement with another one of the plurality of walls of the first frame member.