Disposable Clip for Building Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal frame assembly in the building industry faces difficulties in maintaining frame members at the correct angle during installation, particularly due to the two-part nature of the members requiring selective width adjustment and secure assembly without adequate fixing means.
Innovation Solution
A clip or connector with a head and body design that provides a frictional fit within the concave formations of frame members, utilizing chamfered surfaces for manual location and a clamping portion to secure the members at a predetermined angle, potentially allowing for a shear-off mechanism to achieve a tight interference fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If frame members are assembled by welding or cutting rebates and folding tabs, then the frame members can be connected, but the assembly process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable clip that is inserted into the channel of the frame member and then broken off along a pre-defined score line. This disposable clip serves as a temporary fixing aid during assembly, eliminating the need for complex welding or rebate-cutting processes, and is discarded after use, thus significantly reducing assembly time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip acts as an intermediary tool that facilitates the assembly of frame members. It is inserted into the channel to provide temporary support and positioning, allowing the frame members to be easily connected without requiring skilled welding or complex mechanical operations. The clip mediates between the frame members during the assembly process and is then removed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frame members are made with two-part nature for selective width adjustment, then the frames can be selectively variable in width, but the assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members are segmented with a channel running along their length, allowing the clip to be inserted and providing a means for selective width adjustment. The two-part nature of the frame members (with the channel and the main body) enables versatility in width configuration while the clip simplifies the assembly process by providing a straightforward insertion and break-off mechanism.
3Reliability
If traditional fixing means such as screws or adhesives are used, then the frame members can be securely connected, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable clip provides temporary secure connection during assembly by being inserted into the channel and held in place until the break-off point is reached. It reliably positions the frame members during the assembly process and is then discarded, avoiding the need for permanent fixtures like screws or adhesives, thus maintaining connection reliability during assembly while greatly simplifying the operation.
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
Enables accurate positioning and secure assembly of frame members at desired angles, ensuring proper alignment of door or window stops, and can be easily installed without visible fasteners, enhancing the assembly process in building structures.
Implementation Method 1
the frictional fit is between the opposite walls. The first frame member may have a connecting web between the opposite walls and further may have a return portion opposite and spaced from the connecting web and there may be frictional fit of the clip between the return portion and the connecting web. Preferably the frictional fitting is achieved by chamfered surfaces on the head of the clip which contact the concave formations of the first frame member
Implementation Method 2
a clamping portion for clamping engagement with an end of one of the frame members
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the head and the body has a projection extending therefrom which, upon forcing of the clip into operative engagement with one of the frame members, shears off or distorts so as to form a tight interference fit
Data Source
AI summary
A clip or connector is provided for assembling part of a door or window frame having first and second sheet material frame members to be retained in abutting relationship and in a particular predetermined position relative to each other. Each frame member has a concave channel formation along its length. The clip has a head and a body with a neck therebetween. The head engages with a tight interference or frictional fit within the channel formation of the first frame member and the body engages with a tight interference or frictional fit within the channel of the second frame member, such that the frame members are located and held in their particular predetermined position.