Connecting Junction Assembly for Stable Multi-Element Load Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting node arrangements for two- or three-dimensional structures, such as furniture systems, face challenges in achieving simple assembly while maintaining high mechanical stability, often resulting in weak points due to eccentricities and requiring complex assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A connecting node arrangement featuring flattened end sections with depressions and corresponding projections on fixing elements, allowing for both non-positive and positive connections, and utilizing spring elements to facilitate assembly and enhance stability, ensuring all end sections are in the same plane for improved structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If individual end sections are fixed via individual connecting elements, then mechanical stability is improved, but assembly complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual connecting elements are merged into a single common connecting element that simultaneously connects multiple end sections to the supporting structure. This reduces the number of connecting elements from multiple individual pieces to one unified piece, simplifying assembly while maintaining mechanical stability through the combined connection of all end sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If end sections are connected in different planes, then assembly is simplified, but structural stability deteriorates due to eccentricities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is designed with a three-dimensional structure that includes connection portions extending in different directions and a connecting portion that connects to the supporting structure. This spatial arrangement allows end sections to be connected in different planes while maintaining structural stability by distributing connections across multiple dimensions and eliminating eccentricities through the coordinated geometry of the connecting element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution enables simple and cost-effective assembly of stable two- or three-dimensional structures by ensuring all end sections are aligned in one plane, enhancing mechanical stability and preventing tilting, while allowing for easy removal and insertion of elements.

Implementation Method 1

at least one spring element (500), which presses the fixing elements (310, 320) against one another in the partially fixed state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3054810B1Connecting-junction arrangement and assembly kit
Publication Date: 2018.03.21 SYST 180 STAHLROHRENTWICKLUNGS UND VERTRIEBSMBH
  • EP3054810B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3054810B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3054810B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a construction kit for a two-dimensional or three-dimensional load-bearing structure, to two-dimensional or three-dimensional load-bearing structures which comprise a connecting-junction arrangement (1), and to a connecting-junction arrangement (1) for an at least two-dimensional load-bearing structure, in particular a connecting-junction arrangement for a piece of furniture, comprising identical first load-bearing elements, which have a flattened end portion (120) at at least one end (110), and also comprising an upper fixing element (310) and a lower fixing element (320) and a connecting element (400) for providing a fixing force, which presses the upper fixing element (310) and the lower fixing element (320) against one another, in a fixed state, on account of the fixing force exerted by the connecting element (400), wherein the flattened end portions (120) of the identical load-bearing elements (100) are arranged in a single plane, and are arranged in each case with a clamping portion (130) between the upper fixing element (310) and the lower fixing element (320), wherein either, according to a first alternative, each flattened end portion (120), on an underside (145) or an upper side (155), has at least one depression (140; 140-1, 140-2) in the clamping portion (130) and the upper fixing element (310) or the lower fixing element (320), for each end portion (120) which is pressed between the fixing elements (310, 320), has a protrusion, which engages in the corresponding at least one depression (140; 140-1, 140-2) in the fixed state, or, according to a further alternative, each flattened end portion, on an underside or an upper side, has at least one protrusion (156; 156-1, 156-2) in the clamping portion (130) and the upper fixing element (310) or the lower fixing element (320), for each end portion (120) which is pressed between the fixing elements (310, 320), has a depression (340), in which the corresponding at least one protrusion (156; 156-1, 156-2) engages in the fixed state, or the two alternatives are provided at the same time.