Towel Rack Form-Fitting Connection to Prevent Rotation Under Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towel holders are prone to twisting and sudden yielding under strong downward pressure, leading to safety risks due to non-positive connections between the support element and the rosette, which can be overcome by the weight and lever arm of a person.
Innovation Solution
A form-fitting, non-rotatable connection is established between the connecting piece and the rosette using a shape that prevents rotation, combined with a stable connection between the connecting piece and the support element, allowing the towel rail to absorb and transfer strong weight forces effectively without material thickness or manufacturing effort changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a non-positive connection is used between the support element and the rosette to simplify assembly and reduce manufacturing complexity, then the ease of manufacture and device complexity are improved, but the reliability and strength are worsened because the connection can be easily overcome by weight and lever arm forces causing twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting piece is given an asymmetric cross-sectional shape (e.g., square, rectangular, or polygonal) that does not match a circular opening, creating a form-fitting connection that prevents rotation. This asymmetric geometry ensures that the connecting piece can only be inserted in one orientation and cannot rotate within the opening, thereby preventing the support element from twisting while maintaining ease of assembly through simple insertion
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a circular opening that allows free rotation (the conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using a non-circular, form-fitting opening that explicitly prevents rotation. This inversion transforms the connection from one that allows movement to one that constrains movement, solving the reliability problem while maintaining assembly simplicity
2Manufacturing precision
If the connecting piece and rosette are designed with simple circular openings for easy manufacturing, then the manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture are improved, but the object-affected harmful factors worsen because rotation can occur under load causing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the rosette is designed with an asymmetric cross-section that matches the connecting piece, creating a form-fitting connection. This asymmetric geometry is simple to manufacture using standard machining processes and explicitly prevents rotation under load, eliminating the safety risk while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional circular opening design by using a non-circular, form-fitting opening that prevents rotation. This inversion transforms the harmful effect of rotation into a beneficial constraint, eliminating safety risks while keeping the manufacturing process simple and precise
3Reliability
If a form-fitting connection is implemented to prevent rotation and improve reliability, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting piece and opening are designed with simple asymmetric cross-sections (such as square or rectangular shapes) that prevent rotation. This asymmetric design is not complex to manufacture and can be easily integrated into existing manufacturing processes, providing enhanced reliability without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the connecting piece and opening from circular to non-circular cross-sections. This parameter change creates a form-fitting connection that prevents rotation while maintaining simplicity in design and manufacturing, achieving improved reliability without substantial increase in device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The towel holder has support element (1) having a projecting connecting piece (2) with an end portion (3) having a thread. A collar (4) has an opening (5) for receiving the connecting piece. A sleeve (6) frictionally connects support element and collar. A counterpart (7) is adapted to spacer (8) and collar to produce the positive connection of the sleeve between the support element and the collar. The collar is positively non-rotatably connected to connection piece received in the opening of the collar.