Beam Connecting Member for Adjustable Partition Frameworks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing materials fail to meet the requirements of assembling room partitions that can be mounted on any surface, support panel weight, and conform to specific architectural constraints such as limited dimensions or angled walls, making it difficult to create secure and adjustable frameworks.

Innovation Solution

A connecting element between two beams that allows precise dimensional adjustment and adaptive inclination, featuring a slot and orifices for secure fitting and alignment, enabling the construction of arches or frameworks that can be easily installed without modifying the enclosed space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional connecting materials and methods are used, then the assembly process is simple, but the framework cannot meet architectural constraints such as angled walls or specific dimensional requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to architectural constraintsVSAvoidcomplexity of connecting device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device incorporates adjustable components that allow dynamic modification of the framework's geometry. The connecting element can be positioned at different locations along the beam and adjusted to create various angles, enabling the framework to adapt to different architectural constraints while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention allows changes in key parameters such as the position of connecting elements along the beam length and the angle between beams. By providing adjustable positioning mechanisms and angular adjustments, the framework can be configured to meet specific dimensional requirements and architectural constraints without requiring complex custom-designed connectors for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If adjustable connecting devices are used to meet specific dimensions and angles, then adaptability improves, but the complexity of assembly and device structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of dimensional adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of connecting device
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is divided into distinct functional segments: positioning elements for dimensional adjustment, locking mechanisms for securing the position, and angular adjustment components for orientation. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently while keeping the overall device relatively simple and manageable in terms of complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If modular framework components are used, then ease of installation improves, but the precision of dimensional control may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidprecision of dimensional adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The modular components are designed with pre-configured positioning features, pre-drilled holes at standardized intervals, and pre-assembled connecting elements. This preliminary preparation allows for precise dimensional control to be built into the module design itself, while maintaining ease of installation through simple assembly operations that require minimal on-site adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4224022B1Structure comprising two beams made integral with each other by at least one connecting member
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 SAINT GOBAIN PLACO SAS
  • EP4224022B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4224022B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4224022B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a connecting member (10) participating in the joining of at least two beams, the connecting member (10) comprising a main body extending along a longitudinal direction (L) having a first longitudinal end (26), a second longitudinal end (28) and two folded edges (30) which extend between the two longitudinal ends (26, 28), the main body (24) comprising at least one opening (36, 36a, 36b) configured to house at least partially a longitudinal positioning member (18) of the connecting member (10) relative to one or the other of the beams, characterized in that the opening (36, 36a, 36b) opens onto one or the other of the longitudinal ends (26, 28).