Threaded Rod Connector for Compact Storage and Smooth Curtain Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long curtain and shower rods require large storage and transportation boxes due to their extended length, and connections between rods often cause rough transitions leading to hanging issues with curtains or shower curtains.
Innovation Solution
A rod connector system that coaxially joins two rods together using a disc portion with threaded shafts to create a smooth transition, allowing for shorter rods to be assembled into a longer length, reducing storage and transportation costs while ensuring seamless curtain or shower curtain movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If long curtain rods are used to span the width of windows, then the functional requirement is met, but storage and transportation costs increase due to larger boxes being required
Solution Approach 1:
The long rod is divided into multiple shorter segments that can be stored separately in smaller boxes. The rod connector assembly joins these segments together to form the required long rod structure when installed, resolving the contradiction between needing long rods for functionality and wanting smaller storage volumes.
2Volume of stationary object
If rod connectors are used to join segments together, then storage space is reduced, but rough transitions between rods may cause curtains to hang up
Solution Approach 1:
The rod connector incorporates a curved or rounded transition surface between rod segments instead of a sharp angular connection. This curvature allows curtains and shower curtains to slide smoothly over the connector without catching or hanging up, while still enabling the rod segments to be joined for compact storage.
3Volume of stationary object
If telescoping rods are used to reduce storage space, then storage volume decreases, but the rods remain very long and still require substantial packaging space
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single long telescoping rod that still requires large packaging, the system divides the rod into multiple shorter segments. These segments are joined using rod connectors during installation, allowing for significantly reduced packaging volume while maintaining the necessary span length when assembled.
Data Source
AI summary
A rod connector is provided including a disc portion, a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The disc portion has a first side configured to engage a first rod and a second side configured to engage a second rod. The first shaft portion extends from the first side of the disc portion and includes threads along at least a portion of the length thereof for engaging threads of the first rod to draw the first rod into engagement with the disc portion. The second shaft portion extends from the second side of the disc portion and includes threads along at least a portion of the length thereof for engaging threads of the second rod to draw the second rod into engagement with the disc portion.