Snap Lock System for Countertop Connection Without Underside Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting countertops are cumbersome, requiring precise slot alignment and access from underneath cabinets, which is time-consuming and inconvenient, especially when using brittle materials like stone, and may result in unintentional disconnection due to horizontal forces or gaps from humidity changes.
Innovation Solution
A snap lock system comprising locking units with profiles and a resilient member, allowing vertical connection and preventing both horizontal and vertical movement after locking, which can be easily disassembled using a lever mechanism, and can be manufactured from different materials than the countertops, ensuring a tight and durable connection without modifying the countertops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional threaded bar connection with recessed slots is used, then the connection can be made secure, but the installation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming due to the need to access from underneath cabinets with poor lighting and limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional connection approach by moving the locking mechanism from the underside to the visible edge of the countertop. Instead of accessing slots from below, the connection is made through interlocking profiles on the edges that can be joined from above, eliminating the need to enter cabinets with poor lighting and limited space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical connection approach (accessing slots from underneath) to a horizontal edge-based connection system. The interlocking profiles engage through horizontal motion along the edge, changing the dimension of operation from vertical under-cabinet access to horizontal edge alignment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If interlocking profiles are integrated in the edges of countertops, then horizontal motion is restricted, but machining edges in both vertical and horizontal directions is time-consuming and undesirable for brittle materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection function into separate components: the countertop edge retains its original form, while a separate attachable profile is added to provide the interlocking feature. This avoids machining the brittle countertop material and allows the profile to be manufactured independently using suitable processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate attachable profile as a mediator between the countertop edge and the connection mechanism. This profile serves as a bridge that provides the necessary interlocking features without requiring direct machining of the countertop, thus protecting the integrity of brittle materials.
3Productivity
If connection is made at single points, then assembly is simple, but gaps may occur in the joining after time and due to humidity changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates expansion compensation features in advance within the interlocking profile design. The profile includes channels and flexible elements that are pre-configured to accommodate humidity-induced expansion and contraction, preventing gaps from forming over time while maintaining the simplicity of the assembly process.
4Ease of manufacture
If attachable locking units are used, then the connection can be made without machining countertops, but the visible edge of countertops may be affected by the appearance of locking units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the locking units selectively at specific locations along the countertop edge rather than covering the entire edge. The profiles are positioned in areas that minimize visual impact, and their design allows them to be recessed or blended into the edge profile, maintaining the aesthetic quality of the visible surface while providing the necessary connection function.
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 snap lock system provides a secure, efficient, and cost-effective method for connecting countertops without compromising the integrity of the visible surfaces, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and ensuring a tight connection over a longer distance compared to traditional pointwise connections.
Implementation Method 1
a third locking unit comprising a resilient member and a chamfered longitudinal edge
Data Source
AI summary
A snap lock system for connecting adjoining countertops comprises: a first locking unit comprising a first surface and an opposite second surface, the second surface being attachable to a first countertop, wherein the second surface has a profile comprising a projection, a first recess, and a second recess; a second locking unit comprising a first surface and an opposite second surface, the second surface being attachable to a second countertop, wherein the first surface has a profile comprising a projection and a recess; the second surface comprises a recess; and a third locking unit comprising a resilient member and a chamfered longitudinal edge, accommodated in a locking groove defined by the second recess of the first locking unit and the recess of the second locking unit. The profile of the second surface of the first locking unit is configured to receive the profile of the first surface of the second locking unit to provide a connection preventing mutual horizontal movement between the first and second locking units. During connection of the first locking unit and the second locking unit, the third locking unit is configured to allow vertical mating of the first locking unit and the second locking unit and, after connection, the third locking unit is configured to prevent mutual vertical movement between the first locking unit and the second locking unit.