C-Profile Connector with Compressible Transition for Tolerance Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cross connectors in dry construction often result in unstable profile structures due to manufacturing tolerances, leading to loose and rattling connections between profiles of different lengths, as the leg sections are not optimally matched, causing gaps and spaces that compromise stability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a compressible compensating means in the transition area of the cross connector, which can be elastically deformable and made from materials like elastomers, foams, or textiles, to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and provide structure-borne noise decoupling, allowing for secure and stable connections between profiles of varying lengths and widths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the legs of the connecting element are made longer than the leg sections of the profile, then the connecting element can accommodate profiles of different lengths, but gaps and spaces form between the support section and the profile, leading to loose and unstable connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with profiles of different lengthsVSAvoidstability of profile connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A compressible compensating means is introduced as an intermediary element between the connecting element and the profile. This compensating means fills the gaps and spaces that arise from length mismatches, ensuring close fitting while maintaining stability. The compensating means acts as a mediator that accommodates dimensional variations without compromising the rigid connection structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The compensating means utilizes changes in compressibility and elastic deformability to adapt to different gap sizes. By selecting materials and configurations with appropriate compressive properties, the system can accommodate variations in profile lengths while maintaining a stable, close-fitting connection. The compressible nature allows the compensating means to deform and fill gaps effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid connecting elements are used to ensure stable connections, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing tolerances cause gaps and spaces that lead to rattling and instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidtolerance accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The compensating means is designed beforehand with appropriate compressible properties to cushion and compensate for gaps arising from manufacturing tolerances. By incorporating this compensating element in advance, the system prevents the formation of harmful gaps and spaces that would otherwise lead to rattling and instability, even when rigid connecting elements are used.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If compensating means are added to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, then connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compensating means can be implemented as a thin, flexible element that can be integrated into the connection structure. This approach maintains connection stability while minimizing the increase in device complexity. The thin-film or layer-like structure of the compensating means allows it to fill gaps effectively without adding significant structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively compensates for manufacturing tolerances, ensuring profiles fit snugly, enhancing the overall stability of the structure and reducing structure-borne noise, while allowing for easy adjustment and repeated use without replacement.

Implementation Method 1

a compressible compensating means (5) is assigned to the support section (4) at least in the transition area (6)... The compensating means is compressible and can be designed to be elastically deformable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

compressible and deformable compensating means can contribute to structure-borne noise decoupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2035635B1Connecting element for c-shaped profiled members, comprising a compensating means, and arrangement

Publication Date: 2011.01.19 RICHTER SYST

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AI summary

Disclosed is a connecting element (1) comprising two legs (2) with locking means and a support section (4) that connects the legs (2). Said legs (2) protrude from the support section (4) in a transition zone (6). The aim of the invention is to allow a plurality of different profiled members to be connected in a stable manner without any problem. Said aim is achieved by assigning a compensating means (5) to the support section (4), at least in the transition zone (6). Also disclosed is an arrangement encompassing C-shaped profiled members and a connecting element of said type.