Trophy Assembly Using Twist-Lock Connectors for Rapid Modular Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trophy assembling methods are labor-intensive, inflexible, and costly, making it difficult to rapidly assemble and disassemble components, limiting user flexibility in mixing and matching existing or new components.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system utilizing a locking mechanism with male and female connectors that engage through a twisting or rotating motion, allowing for secure connection and easy assembly/disassembly of trophy components without the need for additional hardware like screws or nuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastening mechanisms are used to assemble trophy components, then the trophy assembly is secure and stable, but the assembly process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The trophy is divided into separate modular components (base, pedestal, figurine) that can be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled using the connector system, enabling rapid assembly while maintaining secure connections
Solution Approach 2:
A connector mechanism serves as an intermediary element between trophy components, featuring a first configuration for secure engagement and a second configuration for rapid release, thus resolving the contradiction between secure connection and quick assembly
2Reliability
If conventional fastening mechanisms are used to assemble trophy components, then the trophy assembly is stable, but the trophy becomes fixed and difficult to disassemble
Solution Approach 1:
The connector mechanism incorporates dynamic characteristics by allowing the trophy assembly to transition between a locked state (first configuration) providing secure connection and an unlocked state (second configuration) enabling easy disassembly, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of disassembly
3Reliability
If conventional fastening mechanisms are used, then the trophy components are securely connected, but the system becomes inflexible and does not allow mixing and matching components
Solution Approach 1:
The connector mechanism is designed with universal applicability, where the same connector design can be used across different trophy components and potentially different trophy types, enabling users to mix and match components while maintaining secure connections, thus resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and component flexibility
4Reliability
If various hardware are used for trophy assembly, then the components can be securely fastened, but the cost increases and inventory management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector mechanism serves as a universal fastening solution that replaces multiple different hardware types, reducing material variety and simplifying inventory management while maintaining secure connections, thus resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and cost effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
Trophy assembly and methods for assembling a trophy are disclosed. A trophy assembly includes a first trophy component, a second trophy component and a locking mechanism for engaging at least the first and second trophy components to form the trophy assembly. The locking mechanism includes at least a male connector and a first female connector. The male connector includes a first configuration which matches with a second configuration of the first female connector such that when the male connector mates with the first female connector, the at least first and second trophy components are engaged with each other through a twisting or rotating motion to provide a secured connection between the at least first and second trophy components.