Fire Door Frame Corner Connection Using Mechanical Pipe Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for connecting metal tubes in fire protection door frames, particularly those made of stainless steel, require complex welding processes that are costly, time-consuming, and prone to distortion, necessitating extensive reworking and polishing to achieve a flawless corner connection.

Innovation Solution

A corner connection system using a pipe connector with a rectangular cross-section design that eliminates the need for welding, featuring countersunk screws and rivet nuts for secure assembly without distortion, and rounded edges for safety and aesthetics, allowing for simple assembly and visual customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If welded connections are used to connect metal tubes in fire protection door frames, then the connection strength and safety requirements are met, but the production cost increases and distortion occurs requiring extensive reworking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidproduction effort
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separate components: a pipe connector, countersunk screws, and rivet nuts. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard processes, avoiding the need for complex welding operations while maintaining connection strength through mechanical fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The welding process (thermal-mechanical system) is replaced with a mechanical screw connection system. The countersunk screws engage with rivet nuts embedded in the pipe walls, creating a purely mechanical connection that eliminates welding-related distortion and post-processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If welded connections are used to connect metal tubes, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the production time increases due to complex post-processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The rivet nuts are pre-installed into the pipe walls before the actual connection is made. This preliminary action prepares the pipes for quick assembly using countersunk screws, eliminating the need for post-welding operations such as cleaning, polishing, and inspection that would otherwise be required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Replacing the welding process with a mechanical screw connection eliminates the time-consuming post-welding treatments. The mechanical connection can be assembled and secured without requiring cooling time, cleaning operations, or polishing, thereby significantly improving production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If complex cutting and welding processes are used to create corner joints, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe connector serves as an intermediary component that simplifies the corner joint assembly. Instead of directly welding two pipes at complex angles, the connector provides a standardized interface that receives both pipes, maintaining structural integrity while reducing the complexity of the joining process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex welding process required for corner joints is replaced with a standardized mechanical connection system. The pipe connector with pre-installed rivet nuts allows corner joints to be assembled using simple screw fastening operations, maintaining structural integrity while dramatically reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2824268B1Corner connection
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 ETEX BUILDING PERFORMANCE GMBH
  • EP2824268B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2824268B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP2824268B1 patent drawingFigure 6~10

AI summary

The present invention relates to a corner connection of a frame consisting of individual interconnected metal tubes, in particular a door frame of a fire door holding a fire protection disc, characterized by a butt joint of the metal tubes (6, 7) to be connected, in which the metal tubes (6, 7) meet at a right angle in a plane such that the open side (8) of one tube (7) abuts the tube wall (9) of the second tube (6), wherein a tube connector (10) is screwed to the tube wall (9) of the second tube (6), the shape and size of which is adapted to the inner contour of the first tube (7), is inserted into it and fixed.