Cross Quick Connector for C-Profile Play-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems for C-profiles in suspended ceilings face challenges in achieving a play-free connection, facilitating tool-free assembly, and accommodating various profile folds (round, straight, or sloping) without rattling noises, especially under load.
Innovation Solution
The cross quick connector features laterally projecting hook elements with a circumferential bead for enhanced rigidity and contact, paired with spring tongues that engage vertically and laterally to secure profiles, and additional stiffening elements like beads and positioning straps to prevent buckling and sagging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spring constant of the cross quick connector is increased to prevent rattling noises, then connection stability is improved, but ease of manual assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into multiple functional elements: hook elements for basic connection, spring tongues for vertical pressing force, and positioning straps for lateral stabilization. This segmentation allows each element to contribute differently to the overall connection stability without requiring excessive spring constant in a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the connection parameters by introducing multi-directional constraints (vertical pressing force from spring tongues, lateral positioning from positioning straps) rather than relying solely on increasing the spring constant of the main connector. This allows stable connection at moderate spring constant values.
2Ease of operation
If the cross quick connector is designed for tool-free assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but connection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning straps automatically engage with the profile flanges to provide lateral positioning and prevent inward buckling. The spring tongues self-adjust to press the profiles together vertically. This self-positioning mechanism achieves precise connection without requiring tools or complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning straps are designed with asymmetric geometry that allows easy insertion in the correct orientation while preventing incorrect installation. The straps engage with the profile flanges in a specific orientation to ensure proper positioning, providing guidance during assembly without requiring tools.
3Ease of manufacture
If the hook elements are designed with simple geometry for easy manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different profile folds deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hook elements are designed with a universal geometry that can accommodate different types of profile folds (round, sloping, straight). The basic hook shape engages with the profile flange undercut regardless of the specific fold type, while the positioning straps provide additional adaptation through their engagement geometry.
4Reliability
If the spring tongues are made stiffer to prevent profile movement, then connection stability is improved, but ease of manual assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection stability function is segmented between the spring tongues (vertical pressing) and positioning straps (lateral stabilization). This allows the spring tongues to be optimized for providing vertical force without needing to be excessively stiff, as the positioning straps handle lateral constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring tongues and positioning straps work together as a combined system to achieve connection stability. The spring tongues provide vertical pressing force while the positioning straps provide lateral positioning, and their combined effect achieves stable connection at moderate stiffness levels for both components.
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
This design ensures a play-free, stable connection that prevents rattling noises and material savings, while allowing for easy assembly and adaptation to different profile types, enhancing the structural integrity and durability of suspended ceilings.
Implementation Method 1
spring tongues which protrude in the direction of the upper profile element and thus press the upper profile element resiliently in the direction of the lower profile element
Implementation Method 2
hook elements which in the installed state engage under the bent profile edge of the respective lower profile
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The system has a cross shaped quick connector (1) comprising a bar plate (2), which overlaps an upper profile in a mounting condition. Hooking elements (6, 6') are provided with a reinforcing seam (11) that extends over an entire circumference of the hooking elements till to an edge of the hooking elements. A tolerance free two-point-support is formed by covering an outer edge of profile edges and provided on the hooking elements in an area of an edge folding unit of the profile edges. The profile edges lie within an opening of the reinforcing seam, during mounting of the system.