Spring-Reinforced Connecting Element for Reliable Component Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting means for joining components, such as furniture or machine parts, often fail to provide a simple and reliable connection that maintains a strong holding force.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with a spring element and reinforcing elements, such as auxiliary spring elements and stiffening elements, that increase the spring force, allowing easy and secure connection of components by engaging with a receiving element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring element is used to connect components, then ease of assembly is improved, but holding force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a spring element with a reinforcing element into a single integrated connecting device. The spring element provides the necessary elasticity for easy assembly, while the reinforcing element structurally strengthens the connection to provide adequate holding force. This merging of functional elements resolves the contradiction between ease of assembly and holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device uses a composite structure where the spring element (typically elastic material) is combined with a reinforcing element (typically rigid or semi-rigid material). This composite approach allows the device to simultaneously exhibit both the flexibility needed for easy assembly and the structural strength needed for reliable holding force.
2Force
If spring force is increased to improve holding force, then holding force is improved, but risk of damage during insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element provides dynamic, progressive resistance during insertion rather than rigid static resistance. As the spring compresses during assembly, it gradually increases the opposing force, allowing smooth insertion without sudden shock loads that could cause damage. Once assembled, the spring maintains high holding force through its elastic recovery force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as a cushioning element during the insertion process, absorbing impact and reducing shock loads before the connection is fully established. This beforehand cushioning protects both the connecting device and the components being joined from damage during assembly.
3Device complexity
If a simple connecting element is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of connection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated connecting device that combines a spring element and a reinforcing element. This unified structure maintains simplicity in terms of the number of components to handle during assembly, while the internal combination of elements ensures reliable connection performance.
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 connecting element ensures easy assembly and maintains a high holding force, reducing the risk of damage during insertion and allowing for adjustments to compensate for positional tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element which can be brought into engagement with a receiving element to connect a first component (102) and a second component (104)
Data Source
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AI summary
To create a connecting means for joining a first component and a second component, in particular for joining furniture or machine parts, by means of which the components can be connected to each other simply and reliably, it is proposed that the connecting means comprise a first connecting element arranged on the first component in the connected state of the components and a second connecting element arranged on the second component in the connected state of the components, wherein, in order to connect the first component and the second component, a spring element of the first connecting element can be brought into engagement with a receiving element of the second connecting element, wherein the connecting means, in particular the first connecting element and/or the second connecting element, comprises a reinforcing element for amplifying a spring force of the spring element.