Tool-Free Rotational Locking Connector for Shower Door Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing installation method for shower door assemblies is time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the difficulty in securely mounting horizontal tracks and vertical side frames without screws slipping or breaking.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device comprising a retaining member with a lug, a connecting member with a second opening, and a locking member with a projection, allowing for secure and tool-free assembly by rotating the locking member from an unlocked to a locked position, enhancing the strength with a reinforcing plate and position-limiting structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws are used to mount the horizontal track and vertical side frame together, then the connection strength is improved, but the installation time increases and screws may slip or fracture requiring more labor
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into separate functional components: a retaining member with a lug, a connecting member with a second opening, and a locking member with a projection. This segmentation allows for quick assembly by simply rotating the locking member from unlocked to locked position, eliminating the need for time-consuming screw fastening while maintaining connection strength through the interlocking projection-lug mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to be rotatable between unlocked and locked positions, transforming the static screw connection into a dynamic locking mechanism. This rotational motion enables rapid installation without requiring auxiliary tools, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring secure fixation when locked
2Reliability
If screws are used to mount the horizontal track and vertical side frame together, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and screws may slip or fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member's projection automatically engages with the lug when rotated to the locked position, creating a self-locking mechanism that ensures reliable connection without requiring precision alignment or complex adjustment procedures. The design inherently prevents slipping through the interlocking geometry of the projection and lug, eliminating the reliability issues associated with screw fastening
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using threaded screws that require winding and tightening, the invention inverts the approach by using a straight projection that locks through rotational engagement. This inversion simplifies the assembly process to a single rotational motion while maintaining connection reliability through the positive engagement of the projection-lug interface
3Productivity
If a simple connection method is used to reduce installation time, then the productivity is improved, but the connection strength may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member utilizes curved or arc-shaped engagement surfaces between the projection and the lug, allowing for smooth rotational locking while distributing mechanical loads effectively. This curved geometry enables quick installation through simple rotation while maintaining strong connection through optimized stress distribution across the contact surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of sanitary and bathing devices, and particularly to a connecting device for connecting a horizontal track to a vertical side frame of a shower door assembly, and a shower door assembly including the connecting device. The connecting device may comprise: a retaining member capable of being retained to an end of the horizontal track and provided with a lug; a connecting member having a width larger than that of the first opening, and being provided with a second opening; and a locking member provided with a connecting portion, the connecting portion being provided with a projection, wherein the locking member can be in a locked position or in an unlocked position when the projection is away from the connecting member. The shower door assembly comprises: a horizontal track; a vertical side frame provided on an end with a vertical opening.