Male/Female Furniture Connector

This simple project arose from a specific need: to secure the steps accessing the benches of a church choir, which tended to slide when people, especially those who were not very young, stepped on them, posing a danger. Fixing the steps with simple through screws would have been easier and faster, but the requirement was to be able to remove the step quickly if needed, and especially without using special tools. Furthermore, it had to be something intuitive that didn't require specific instructions.

Therefore, the dimensions of this connector are based on specific needs and on-site measurements, but I thought I would share it anyway in case it could be useful to others.

To make the connector as adaptable as possible, I also created two shims for the female part, 1mm and 2mm thick, which, when combined, can cover various measurements; the slots also help keep the shims aligned.

Even with tolerances applied, given the small diameter of the slots, some might not fit together easily: tightening the screws should put them back in place, otherwise, a few taps with a hammer will serve the purpose.

Without claiming to be particularly imaginative or innovative, this project helped me improve my 3D design and printing skills, also addressing the aspects of project presentation and publication.