Connection Device for Flexible Surface Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching flexible planar elements, such as printed textiles or tarpaulins, to frames require the use of welts or eyelets on the edge sections, which complicates the mounting process and production, and may not provide a secure hold.
Innovation Solution
A connection device featuring a drive-in welt and safety strip that allows the flexible element to be secured without piping or eyelets, using self-drilling locking screws that penetrate the frame profile and grooves for a secure attachment, with additional ribs and flanks for enhanced hold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If keders or eyelets are attached to the edge sections of the flexible surface element, then the flexible element can be secured to the frame assembly, but the mounting process and production are complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the keder from the flexible surface element itself and relocates it to the frame profile. The frame profile now incorporates the receiving groove and drive-in keder mechanism, while the flexible surface element can be directly inserted without pre-attached keders or eyelets. This extraction simplifies the flexible element production while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device acts as an intermediary component between the frame profile and the flexible surface element. It includes a drive-in keder that engages with the frame profile's receiving groove and a locking strip that secures the flexible element in place, providing a reliable attachment mechanism without complicating the flexible element itself.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used to secure the flexible element to the frame, then the attachment can be secure, but the mounting process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device merges multiple functions into a single integrated component. The drive-in keder and locking strip are combined in one piece that can be inserted and secured in a single mounting operation. The locking strip incorporates both the engagement section for the receiving groove and the cover section for securing the flexible element, reducing the number of separate components and mounting steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive-in keder is pre-formed with a tapered insertion end that facilitates easy insertion into the receiving groove. The locking strip is pre-configured with the engagement section and cover section in one piece, allowing for preliminary positioning before final securing with the locking screw, thereby streamlining the mounting process.
3Ease of manufacture
If the flexible surface element is attached without pre-attached welts or eyelets, then production is simplified, but a secure hold must still be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the requirement for pre-attached keders or eyelets on the flexible surface element by extracting the keder function to the frame profile. The frame profile's receiving groove and the connection device's drive-in keder provide the securing mechanism, while the flexible element remains simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device replicates the securing function previously provided by keders or eyelets on the flexible element. By placing the drive-in keder and locking strip on the frame side, the invention copies the attachment functionality while simplifying the flexible element's construction.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connection device (1) for connecting a flexible surface element (2), in particular a printed textile or a printed tarpaulin, comprising a frame profile (3) that can be fixed to a wall or other supporting structure and has at least one first receiving groove (32a) in which the flexible surface element (2) can be fixed to the frame profile (3), wherein the connection device (1) comprises: - a keder strip (6) shaped so that it can be inserted into the first receiving groove (32a) with an outer edge section (20) of the flexible surface element (2) interposed, - a locking strip (7) shaped so that it can be placed on the keder strip (6), and - at least one locking screw (8a, 8b) designed toto secure the drive-in keder (6) with the edge section (20) of the flexible surface element (2) driven into it after insertion into the first receiving groove (32a) and the securing strip (7) after placement on the drive-in keder (6).