Three-sided corner assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Structural frames in automation equipment, buildings, and furniture often experience loosening of nut and bolt combinations due to vibration and environmental factors, leading to compromised integrity and rotation of frame members, which affects alignment.
Innovation Solution
A three-sided corner assembly that mechanically interlocks first and second frame members using angled bolt-receiving bores and nuts, along with an alignment rail system, to prevent rotation and ensure self-alignment, while being simple to utilize and adaptable for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If nut and bolt combinations are used to secure frame members, then the frame members can be assembled together, but the connections loosen over time due to vibration and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The corner assembly is divided into multiple functional components: a corner body with receiving bores, separate mounting rails with alignment features, and bolt-receiving bores at specific angles. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to prevent loosening through the interlocked mechanical design
Solution Approach 2:
The corner assembly includes pre-formed angled bolt-receiving bores and mounting rails with alignment features that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. These preliminary structural features enable the frame members to be quickly assembled and locked in place, preventing future loosening through the pre-engineered interlocking geometry
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional corner pieces are used to join frame members, then the frame can be constructed, but the frame members and components rotate with respect to one another, compromising alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The corner assembly employs asymmetric mounting rails with specific alignment features including a first alignment feature on one side and a second alignment feature on the other side. These asymmetric features are designed to mate with corresponding features on the frame members, preventing rotation and ensuring precise alignment while maintaining ease of construction
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting rails act as intermediary components between the corner body and the frame members. These rails include alignment features that mediate the connection by preventing rotation and ensuring proper alignment of the frame members relative to each other, while still allowing for easy assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A corner assembly is provided for interconnecting first and second frame members. A first plate member includes an outer face having a mounting rail projecting therefrom which is receivable in a slot in the first frame member and a bolt-receiving bore therethrough extending along a first axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A second plate member includes an outer face generally perpendicular to the outer face of the first plate member and having a mounting rail projecting therefrom which is receivable in a slot in a second frame member. The second plate member including a bolt-receiving bore therethrough extending along a second axis at an acute angle to the outer face of the second plate member. A central portion interconnects the first and second plate members and has a mounting surface and a bore extending therethrough. The mounting surface including an alignment rail projecting therefrom. A corner has a first sidewall configured to abut a terminal end of the first frame member, a second sidewall configured to abut a terminal end of the second frame member, and a mounting wall having a slot therein adapted for receiving the alignment rail of the central portion.