Shower Track Corner Connector with Rotating Locking Key
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corner joint coupling structures for shower room tracks are time-consuming and labor-intensive to install due to the need for intersecting normals and screw-based connections.
Innovation Solution
A quick connecting device comprising an inserting member, a receiving member, and a locking key, where the inserting member and receiving member have matching keyways and a cylindrical locking key that restricts the columnar insert's exit from the receiving chamber, allowing for rapid assembly by rotating the locking key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a screw-based coupling structure is used to connect tracks at corner joints, then the connection strength is improved, but the installation time and labor required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is divided into separate components: a coupling body with internal threading and external threading portions, allowing modular assembly. The track pieces can be independently positioned and then quickly secured using the segmented coupling mechanism without requiring complex screw fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body is pre-formed with both internal and external threading features, and the corner joint geometry is pre-configured at specific angles (90°, 135°, etc.). This preliminary preparation allows for rapid assembly where track pieces simply need to be aligned and engaged, eliminating the need for time-consuming screw installation during the actual joining process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a complex coupling piece with intersecting normals is used to form corner joints, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body is designed with asymmetric threading configurations - internal threading on one end and external threading on the other end. This asymmetric design allows the coupling body to be uniquely oriented and quickly connected to perpendicular or angled track pieces, maintaining structural integrity while simplifying the installation process through intuitive alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body is pre-manufactured with the precise corner angle geometry (90°, 135°, etc.) and threaded features already integrated. This preliminary action ensures that when installation occurs, workers only need to engage the pre-configured coupling mechanism without requiring complex alignment or adjustment, thus maintaining structural integrity while greatly improving ease of installation.
3Reliability
If traditional corner connection methods are used, then the connection reliability is maintained, but the productivity during assembly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the coupling body with integrated threading, the track pieces with matching threaded features, and optional protective covers. This segmentation allows for quick engagement and disengagement while maintaining reliable connections, significantly improving assembly productivity compared to traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
All critical connection features are pre-configured during manufacturing - the internal and external threading patterns, the corner angle geometries, and the positioning features are all established in advance. This preliminary action ensures that during assembly, workers achieve reliable connections through simple engagement motions, dramatically increasing productivity without compromising connection reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A quick connecting device and a shower room assembly are disclosed. The quick connecting device comprises an inserting member, a receiving member and a locking key. The inserting member comprises a sheet-like first body, the first body including a first connecting surface configured to fixedly connect an end surface of a corner end of a first track, a first main surface opposite to the first connecting surface, and a columnar insert extending outwards from the first main surface, a first keyway formed on a surface of the columnar insert. The receiving member comprises a sheet-like second body, the second body including a second connecting surface configured to fixedly connect an end surface of a corner end of a second track, a second main surface opposite to the second connecting surface, and a receiver extending outwards from the second main surface, the receiver being provided with a receiving chamber in clearance fit with the columnar insert and the receiver being provided with a second keyway therein. The locking key is configured such that when the columnar insert is inserted into the receiving chamber and the first and second keyways are in a matched state, the locking key restricts exiting of the columnar insert from the receiving chamber. The shower room assembly comprises a track connected at a corner uses the above quick connecting device.