Elastic Tubular Profile Alignment Device for Installation Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tools for installing and adjusting the orientation of tubular profiles are inefficient, requiring multiple tool fittings and removals, are not universally applicable, and often need third-party assistance, especially for non-ferrous materials like stainless steel and composites, and digital laser tools are bulky and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece, autonomous, and removable device with elastic properties that can grip and fix tubular sections using spirit levels and measuring devices, featuring a hollow or solid body made of compressible polymer, allowing for precise and firm attachment without material dependency, and enabling easy handling and reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual tools (spirit levels, protractors) are used for positioning and securing tubular profiles, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to repeated installation and removal of tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation measurement precisionVSAvoidinstallation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the spirit level, protractor, and gripping means into a single integrated device. The spirit level and protractor are mounted on a common base with gripping elements, allowing the installer to use all measurement and positioning functions without removing or更换 tools during the installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to be universally applicable to various tubular profile dimensions and materials. The gripping means can adapt to different profile sizes, and the measurement functions (spirit level for horizontal/vertical alignment, protractor for angled installations) are integrated into one tool that can handle multiple installation scenarios.

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

2Ease of operation

If magnetic tools are used to eliminate manual assistance, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because they are only useful for ferrous profiles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle-person installation capabilityVSAvoidmaterial compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping means employs localized adhesive strips or friction-based gripping surfaces at specific contact points on the tubular profile. This allows the device to grip non-ferrous materials like stainless steel and composites through surface adhesion or friction, rather than relying on magnetic attraction to the entire profile material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If digital laser tools are used for alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost worsen due to bulkiness and expense

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidtool portability and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses optical reflection from the tubular profile surface to create visual alignment references. Mirrors or reflective surfaces on the device allow the installer to see alignment indicators reflected from the profile, providing precise alignment feedback without requiring complex laser equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Productivity

If installation templates are used for standardized applications, then productivity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as they are specific to particular product lines and require resetting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidproduct line specificity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that allow it to adapt to different installation requirements. The gripping means can be adjusted for different profile dimensions, and the measurement references can be repositioned or reconfigured for various installation scenarios, eliminating the need for multiple fixed templates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device ensures efficient and precise installation and adjustment of tubular profiles with reduced time and cost, providing universal applicability across various dimensions and materials, enhancing user comfort and tool durability.

Implementation Method 1

with a hollow or solid, elastic body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The relative movement between these two parts is achieved using a guide 17, namely a dovetail groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic energy storage: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentEP2857795B1Method and standalone device for assisting with the implementation, installation, attachment and adjustment of the orientation of tubular profile members and use
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 MANTION
  • EP2857795B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2857795B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2857795B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The design, manufacture and use of at least one of the embodiments of a device to assist (1) in the installation and adjustment of the orientation of tubular profiles (2) forms a single-piece assembly (3), autonomous and removable, of hollow (4) or solid body, in a substantially elastic and shape-memory composite material, comprising gripping means (5a, 11, 5b, 12), holding means (6) of one or more spirit level and/or measuring devices (7), elastic means (8) for referencing (8a, 22), centering (8b, 20) and holding (8c, 18) of the single-piece assembly (3).Elastic means (9) for introducing the aid device (1) for positioning and adjusting the orientation of tubular profiles (2) into the chamber (10) of a tubular profile (2) are provided on and within the profile (2). This ensures the durability and preservation of the initial reference calibration of the spirit level and/or measuring means (7) with the structure of the monobloc assembly (3), thus eliminating the need for separate tools and even the need for assistance when installing profiles (2) that form frames, guides, or rails in various construction applications. This device is used to assist in the installation, positioning, fixing, and independent adjustment of the orientation of tubular profiles.