Sliding T-Joint Connector for Adjustable Extrusion Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing extrusion process limits modularity and scalability as post-extrusion manufacturing processes are required for non-parallel structures, restricting users without metalworking experience or equipment to specific lengths or custom orders, compromising versatility and structural design.
Innovation Solution
A device that slidingly connects the end of one extruded element to the side of another, featuring a fixable end and a slidable end with a protrusion to engage with a channel, allowing for adjustable angles without post-extrusion processes, and an optional cover for protection and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If suppliers produce extrusions at specific lengths with pre-applied post-extrusion processes, then end users can purchase ready-to-use components, but users are limited to only those specific lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The separable connector design allows end users to assemble connectors of various configurations without requiring custom manufacturing. Users can combine standard-length extrusions with the modular connector to achieve different effective lengths and configurations, expanding the range of available lengths while maintaining ease of use through simple assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The slidable end with protrusion engaging the channel provides dynamic adjustability, allowing the connector to be positioned at various locations along the extrusion. This dynamic capability enables users to create different effective lengths and configurations from standard components, overcoming the limitation of fixed pre-applied processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extrusion lengths are trimmed to different lengths, then versatility in structural design is improved, but the relative position of fastening structures is altered or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The connector serves as an intermediary that carries the fastening function separately from the extrusion elements. When extrusions are trimmed to different lengths, the connector's channel and protrusion mechanism maintains the fastening structure's relative position through its own geometry, preserving manufacturing precision while allowing extrusion length flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device to slidingly connect an end of a first element to a side of a second element, the second element side having a channel extending therealong, the device comprising a device body having a fixable end and a slidable end, the fixable end being adapted to be affixed to the end of the first element, and a protrusion extending from the slidable end of the device body, configured to engage with the channel of the second element and slide therealong, wherein the device body is formed in at least a first and second device body portion, the first and second device body portions being separable.