Split Connector for Modular Frame Disassembly and Preassembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modular construction systems require sequential assembly and cannot be easily disassembled into preassembled sections for transportation and maintenance, limiting flexibility and access to machine parts.

Innovation Solution

A split connector and split profile bar system allowing for cube-shaped connections with multiple screw holes and threaded designs, enabling preassembly of modular sections and easy removal of modules for access, using a combination of first and second connecting elements with specific screw and threaded hole configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If modular construction systems use sequential assembly with joint elements, then all parts fit together in a flexible modular manner, but the construction cannot be easily disassembled into preassembled sections for transportation and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodular assembly flexibilityVSAvoiddisassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two separate connecting elements that can be attached to different profile bars independently. This segmentation allows the modular construction to be disassembled into sections by removing individual connecting elements, enabling easy transportation and maintenance while maintaining modular assembly flexibility during construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector system transitions from a fixed joint configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The two separate connecting elements can be independently attached and detached, allowing the structure to dynamically change from assembled to disassembled states for different operational requirements such as transportation or maintenance access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If modular construction is built from one side to the other in specific order, then all joint elements can be attached in proper order, but a large part of the construction must be disassembled to reach joints in the middle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint attachment precisionVSAvoiddisassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the connector into two independent connecting elements, each element can be attached to different profile bars at different locations simultaneously. This eliminates the sequential assembly constraint and allows workers to attach joints at the middle of the construction without disassembling large portions of the structure, reducing time loss while maintaining precise joint attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If protective housing is completely assembled at production site, then it provides complete protection and pleasant appearance, but it cannot be disassembled into modular sections for easy transportation and delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotective housing integrityVSAvoidtransportation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protective housing is designed with segmented connectors consisting of two separate connecting elements. This allows the housing to be assembled into a complete, integrated structure at the production site for full protection and appearance, but also enables easy disassembly into modular sections for transportation and delivery by simply removing the connecting elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3390739B1Split connector and modular frame comprising such a split connector
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 FLEXLINK
  • EP3390739B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3390739B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3390739B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Split connector adapted to be used for interconnecting profile bars in a frame structure, where the split connector is cube shaped and comprises a first connecting element and a second connecting element, where the first connecting element comprises screw holes adapted for connecting the first connecting element to a split profile section, a profile bar, and to the second connecting element, where the second connecting element comprises screw holes adapted for connecting the second connecting element to a split profile section and a profile bar, and a first threaded hole adapted for receiving a screw when connecting the first connecting element to the second connecting element. The advantage of the invention is that a modular machine frame is obtained, in which a frame section can easily be removed.