Corner Connector With Wedge Expansion for Mitered Profile Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corner connectors for mitered hollow chamber profiles face a design conflict where the bracing in one direction is compromised due to the need for a flexible and rigid connection in different directions, leading to instability and reduced clamping effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A corner connector design featuring a shaft part with a wedge structure and an expansion element with a counter-wedge structure, where axial displacement of a clamping body drives the expansion element outward transversely to the longitudinal sides, ensuring reliable clamping in both orthogonal directions without requiring a flexible joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible connection is used to allow expansion plates to move outward, then the connection can accommodate movement in one direction, but it cannot provide sufficient rigidity to pull expansion plates upward for bracing in the perpendicular direction
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion element is divided into two functionally independent parts: expansion plates for lateral movement and a connecting element for axial connection. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function without compromise - the expansion plates can move laterally while the connecting element provides rigid axial support.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element acts as an intermediary component between the expansion plates and the clamping body. It mediates the force transmission from the clamping body to the expansion plates, enabling the rigid axial connection while allowing lateral expansion movement through its specific geometry with recesses and projections.
2Force
If the clamping body is lifted during axial displacement to clamp transversely to cover sides, then clamping in one direction is achieved, but bracing transversely to longitudinal sides is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides lateral expansion bracing through the expansion plates moving outward, and it maintains axial positioning stability through the connecting element. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling both clamping directions to work effectively together.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses the clamping direction limitation by introducing a different dimensional approach - instead of relying solely on vertical lifting for all clamping functions, the expansion plates provide bracing in the lateral dimension while the connecting element maintains axial dimension stability, creating effective three-dimensional clamping.
3Strength
If expansion plates are attached rigidly to the base for upward pulling, then axial bracing is improved, but lateral expansion movement is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid attachment is avoided by segmenting the connection system into separate functional components - the expansion plates for lateral movement and the connecting element for axial connection. The connecting element's recess-projection geometry provides the necessary axial linkage without constraining lateral expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the connection system have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. The connecting element provides rigid axial connection locally where needed, while the expansion plates maintain mobility locally where lateral movement is required, achieving local quality optimization throughout the system.
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 design achieves stable clamping in both directions, eliminating play and enhancing bracing, particularly on the opposite cover side, while maintaining symmetry and rigidity, thus improving the overall stability and fixation of the connector.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge structure which is formed on at least one of the longitudinal sides; an expansion element for arrangement between at least the longitudinal side and the hollow chamber profile, wherein the expansion element has a counter-wedge structure which interacts with the wedge structure such that a displacement of the expansion element on the longitudinal side presses the expansion element outwards transversely to the longitudinal side
Data Source
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AI summary
A corner connector for joining two mitered hollow chamber profiles of windows, doors or the like, preferably made of weldable plastic, is described, wherein the corner connector (1) comprises: a shaft part (2) for insertion into one of the hollow chamber profiles (56), which extends along a longitudinal axis (16) defining an axial direction (12) and has two longitudinal sides (52, 54) and two cover sides (26, 28), wherein a wedge structure is formed on at least one of the longitudinal sides; a spreading element (6) for arrangement between at least the longitudinal side and the hollow chamber profile (56), wherein the spreading element (6) has a counter-wedge structure which interacts with the wedge structure in such a way that a displacement of the spreading element (6) on the longitudinal side pushes the spreading element (6) outwards transversely to the longitudinal side and thus clamps the shaft part (2) transversely to the longitudinal sides (52, 54) in the hollow chamber profile (56). and a clamping element (4),which is axially displaceable on the shaft part (2) and is designed such that the axial displacement of the clamping body (4) displaces the spreading element (6) on its longitudinal side, wherein the clamping body (4) carries the spreading element (6) with it in the axial direction (12) and thus causes an axial displacement of the spreading element (6), and the wedge structure and the counter-wedge structure are aligned such that the axial displacement of the spreading element (6) pushes the spreading element (6) outwards transversely to the longitudinal side.