Angular Round Tube Profile Connection via Integrated Webs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting round tube profiles at an angle, such as using T-shaped pipe connectors, require additional installation space and are not visually appealing, as they necessitate elements projecting outwardly, which is not suitable for all applications like attaching to a surface directly.

Innovation Solution

The connection of round tube profiles is achieved through beveled end faces forming an inverted V-shape, allowing the profiles to rest directly on a surface without additional elements, using complementary webs and receiving openings with a connecting screw for a space-saving and nearly invisible connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If T-shaped pipe connectors are used to connect round tube profiles at an angle, then the connection is achieved with sufficient structural integrity, but additional installation space is required and the connection is visually unattractive due to projecting elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrity of connectionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is integrated directly into the round tube profile, merging the connection function with the tube itself. The web is formed as part of the tube structure, eliminating the need for separate T-shaped connectors and reducing installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection is achieved by forming a web that extends radially outward from the tube profile, utilizing the radial dimension. This allows the connection to be made without adding length in the axial direction, thus saving installation space while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If T-shaped pipe connectors are used to connect round tube profiles at an angle, then the connection is achieved with sufficient structural integrity, but the connection is visually unattractive due to external elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrity of connectionVSAvoidvisual appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is integrated directly into the round tube profile, merging the connection function with the tube itself. The web is formed as part of the tube structure, eliminating the need for separate T-shaped connectors and reducing installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If round tube profiles are connected using traditional connectors, then the connection is secure, but the profiles cannot rest directly on a surface due to surrounding connector elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidability to rest on surface
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection is segmented into discrete components: the web with receiving openings and the connecting screw. This allows the connection to be made without requiring a surrounding connector structure, enabling the tube profiles to rest directly on surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection is achieved by forming a web that extends radially outward from the tube profile, utilizing the radial dimension. This allows the connection to be made without adding length in the axial direction, thus saving installation space while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3992474B1Arrangement comprising at least two angularly interconnected tubular profiles
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 SEDUS SYST
  • EP3992474B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3992474B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3992474B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

An arrangement of at least two round tube profiles connected at an angle to each other should be able to be connected to each other at an angle, preferably at right angles, in a space-saving manner. This is achieved by having several webs (6) projecting beyond the free end (4a) of the first round tube profile (4) at at least one end, and by having the second round tube profile (5) having at least one connection area (7) with several receiving openings (8) aligned with the webs (6), wherein a transverse web (9) with a first bore (10) arranged concentrically to the longitudinal axis of the first round tube profile (4) is arranged adjacent to the free end (4a) within the first round tube profile (4), wherein a second bore (11) aligned with the first bore (10) is recessed in the connection area (7) of the second round tube profile (5), wherein the first or the second bore (10,11) is provided with an internal thread for a connecting screw (12) that can be inserted through the second or the first bore (10, 11), wherein the webs (6) and the receiving openings (8) have complementary contact surfaces (6a, 8a) to each other and the contact surface (6a) of the respective web (6) is designed as a chamfered end face.