Undercut Groove Connector for Secure Panel and Strip Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in connecting elongated components such as strips or panels made of wood, like larch wood, to form larger composite elements securely and efficiently, while allowing for the creation of various structural configurations like angled, curved, or straight elements.
Innovation Solution
A plug connection system utilizing coupling rods that engage with rib-shaped projections in undercut grooves, accompanied by tensioning elements and sealing strips, allowing for secure assembly and sealing of components, which can be made from wood, with grooves on the components' surfaces at various angles to produce different structural elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If coupling rods with projections are used to engage in undercut grooves for secure connection, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for precise groove geometry and coupling rod design
Solution Approach 1:
The undercut groove features an asymmetric cross-sectional shape with a narrower opening than base, creating a geometric lock that prevents coupling rod removal. This asymmetric geometry provides secure connection strength while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized groove formation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system divides the connection function into separate elements: the groove formed in one component and the coupling rod with projections formed in another. This segmentation allows each element to be manufactured independently with standard processes, reducing overall device complexity despite the sophisticated connection geometry.
2Reliability
If tensioning elements are provided in through bores to pretension the connection, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to additional drilling and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
Tensioning elements are installed through bores in the components before final assembly, allowing pretension to be applied in advance. This preliminary action ensures reliable connection under load while using simple through-bore geometry that is easy to manufacture with standard drilling operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If grooves are provided at various angles on component surfaces to create different structural elements, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The groove system is designed as a universal feature that can be formed at different angles on component surfaces to create multiple structural configurations including straight, angled, and curved elements. This multi-functional groove design provides adaptability while using standardized groove formation techniques that maintain manufacturing precision through process consistency rather than complex customization.
Data Source
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Figure 7~10
AI summary
A plug-in connection, in particular for components (1) in the form of plates or strips, comprises coupling rods (11) which have projections (13) which engage in grooves (7) in the components (1) to be connected to one another. In order to achieve a secure connection of the components (1), the grooves (7) are undercut, e.g. with a dovetail-shaped (trapezoidal) cross-sectional shape, with the projections (13) on the coupling rods (11) having a corresponding cross-sectional shape, i.e. also in the example are trapezoidal. Thus, by inserting coupling rods (11) into grooves (7) of adjacent components (1), a secure connection of the same can be achieved. Flat, curved or angled elements can be produced by choosing the orientation of the surfaces (5) of the components (1) in which grooves (7) are provided.