Dry-Construction Connector for Wide-Beam Ceiling Profile Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dry-construction ceiling systems face challenges in efficiently connecting elements with simple, reliable, and adaptable methods that allow for quick assembly, stability, and minimal space requirements, particularly on wide span beams with varying dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A dry-construction connector with a retaining tongue for beams and a load-bearing tongue for profiles, allowing for easy connection and secure attachment, featuring adjustable load-bearing projections and a form-fit mechanism for different profile sizes, and utilizing a single type of connector for various dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cross connectors with dimensions adapted to specific profiles are used, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector variety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector body is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate different profile dimensions through adjustable load-bearing projections. The body includes a retaining tongue for beam connection and load-bearing tongues with adjustable projections that can engage with various profile sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connector types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The load-bearing projections are designed to be adjustable or adaptable to different positions and configurations. This allows the same connector body to dynamically adjust its engagement points to match various profile dimensions, maintaining connection reliability across different applications without requiring multiple fixed designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional connectors are used, then connection stability is achieved, but assembly time and installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a retaining tongue for secure beam attachment and load-bearing tongues with projections for profile connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling quick assembly through simple engagement actions without complex fastening procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design enables self-aligning and self-securing features where the retaining tongue automatically engages with the beam and the load-bearing projections self-adjust to the profile positions. This eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or additional fastening steps, reducing assembly time while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If larger substructure height is used, then connection stability is improved, but installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstructure stabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector achieves stable connections by utilizing angular relationships and projection engagements rather than relying solely on vertical height. The retaining tongue and load-bearing tongues are positioned to engage beams and profiles through dimensional relationships in multiple directions, allowing compact vertical clearance while maintaining structural stability through spatial arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4153822B1Dry-construction connector, dry-construction arrangement, kit and method for constructing a dry-construction ceiling
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 KNAUF GIPS KG
  • EP4153822B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4153822B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3b
  • EP4153822B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a dry-construction connector (1) comprising at least one body (50) having a first end portion at a first end and a second end portion at a second end, wherein the body (50) has a central portion (4) between the first and the second end portion, wherein the first end portion forms a retaining tongue (2) for connecting to a beam (10) and the second end portion forms a load-bearing tongue (3) for connecting to a dry- construction profile (23, 23'). The invention further relates to a dry-construction arrangement comprising at least one dry-construction connector (1), a kit for constructing a ceiling in dry construction and a method for constructing a ceiling.