Tubular Joining Member With Mechanical Locking for Stronger Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing joining members for tubular members face challenges in achieving sufficient connection strength and require welding, which is cumbersome and limited by environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A joining member configuration comprising a first joining member with insertion segments and a securing slit, a second joining member with insertion segments and a securing member retainer, and a securing member, allowing for mechanical connection without welding by inserting the securing member into the slit and retaining it with the retainer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the first joining member and second joining member are connected by fitting the protrusion into the hole, then the assembly process is simple, but the connection strength is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The joining member is divided into multiple functional segments: the base portion for structural support, the protrusion for initial positioning and insertion, and the hole for receiving the protrusion. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while collectively achieving both easy assembly and strong connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion and hole are merged into an integrated connection system where the protrusion extends from the base and fits into the corresponding hole. This merging creates a unified joining mechanism that combines positioning, connection, and structural integration in a single operation, achieving both simplicity and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If welding is used to connect the first joining member and second joining member, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the process becomes troublesome and environmentally limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the welding process (thermal/chemical system) with a mechanical insertion system. The protrusion fits into the hole through purely mechanical means, eliminating the need for welding equipment, heat sources, and specialized environmental conditions, while still achieving sufficient connection strength through the mechanical interlock.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The hole acts as an intermediary element that receives and secures the protrusion. This intermediary structure enables the connection between the first and second joining members without requiring direct welding, providing a mechanical bridge that simplifies the process while maintaining connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4692571A1Joining member and framework structure
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 UNKNOWN
  • EP4692571A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP4692571A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2E
  • EP4692571A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3E

AI summary

In a joining member including a first joining member (10A), a second joining member (20), and a securing member (50), the first joining member (10A) includes an angular tube section (11), a pair of first insertion segments (12) and a pair of first insertion segments (13) respectively extending in an X and a Y direction from the angular tube section (11), and a securing slit (14) passes through a side surface of the angular tube section (11) into which the securing member (50) is inserted, and the second joining member (20) includes a planar portion (21), a pair of second insertion segments (22) extending from the planar portion (21), a pair of linkage insertion segments (23) extending toward the opposite side and inserted in the angular tube section (11), and a securing member retainer (28) provided between the pair of linkage insertion segments (23) for retaining the securing member (50).