Spring-Locked Frame Tube Joint for Corrosion-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frame structures for sporting equipment, such as trampolines, face issues with corrosion, complex assembly, noise, and instability due to the use of welds and complex joint structures.
Innovation Solution
A joint structure for connecting two hollow frame tubes using a sleeve and receiving part configuration, combined with a locking arrangement featuring an elongated spring strip and a holding part with connecting elements, to provide a rigid, easy-to-assemble, and noise-reduced connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welds are used to connect frame tubes, then the connection strength is improved, but the corrosion resistance deteriorates and the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is divided into separate components: a first tube with a sleeve part, a second tube with a receiving part, and a separate locking arrangement with spring strip. This segmentation eliminates the need for welding while maintaining connection strength and allowing disassembly for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arrangement with spring strip acts as an intermediary element that connects the two tubes mechanically without welding. The spring strip engages with the sleeve part and receiving part to provide a secure, corrosion-resistant connection that can be assembled and disassembled.
2Reliability
If complex joint structures with bolts or screws are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring strip provides a dynamic locking mechanism that automatically engages and secures the connection through elastic deformation. This eliminates the need for complex bolt tightening procedures while maintaining reliable connection, allowing quick assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring strip automatically secures the connection between the sleeve part and receiving part through its elastic properties. The locking arrangement self-secures without requiring additional fastening operations, simplifying assembly while ensuring reliable connection.
3Ease of operation
If detachable joint structures are used, then the ease of storage is improved, but the connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring strip is formed as an elongated curved element that bends into two wings. This curved geometry provides elastic energy storage and ensures stable engagement with the sleeve part and receiving part, maintaining connection stability during use while allowing easy disassembly for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring strip utilizes elastic deformation as the key parameter change mechanism. During assembly, the spring strip deforms elastically to engage the connection; during use, the elastic properties maintain stable connection; during disassembly, the elastic energy enables easy separation. This parameter change allows both stability and ease of storage.
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 joint structure enhances the safety and stability of sporting equipment frames by providing a rigid connection that reduces noise and simplifies assembly and disassembly, while minimizing the risk of corrosion and structural failure.
Implementation Method 1
The locking arrangement comprises an elongated spring strip that is bent into two wings... the spring strip is inside the tubes
Data Source
AI summary
A joint structure for connecting two hollow frame tubes in sporting equipment. The tubes have a shell, a sleeve part, and a receiving part. The sleeve part is configured to fit into the receiving part in such a way that there is a hole running through both parts. The joint structure includes a locking arrangement having an elongated spring strip that is bent into a first wing and a second wing. The holding part includes a first connecting element and a second connecting element. The first connecting element is configured to be inserted inside of the sleeve part and the second connecting element is configured to be fixed to the first connecting element in such a way that the shell of the second tube and the shell of the first tube is between the connecting elements.