Floor Profile Assembly Edge Connection Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floor profile arrangements face challenges in forming clean butt points at cut edges, leading to difficulties in assembly and potential deformation under high loads, which can result in unsightly and hazardous conditions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a holding device with a connecting means that protrudes over the edge region of the profile strip in the longitudinal direction, allowing for preassembly and enhanced stability, including the use of angle connectors, fastening means, and profiling to ensure secure and load-absorbing connections between profile strips.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If floor profile assemblies are cut to length and installed individually, then the profiles can be adapted to different installation lengths, but the cut edges do not form flush butt points and gaps remain between adjacent profiles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflushness of cut edgesVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting means is pre-assembled with the profile strip at the factory, with the second section protruding beyond the edge region in the longitudinal direction. This preliminary action ensures that when two profile strips are installed, their connecting means align perfectly to form flush butt points, eliminating gaps without requiring precise manual cutting and fitting on-site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If profile strips are installed without pre-assembled connecting means, then material and assembly costs are lower, but the cut edges deform under high loads and protrude from the floor area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability at cut edgesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting means is divided into two sections: the first section is held by the holding device within the profile strip, and the second section protrudes beyond the edge region for connection to the adjacent profile strip. This segmentation allows the connecting means to be pre-assembled with the first profile strip while maintaining the ability to connect to the second profile strip, thereby reinforcing the cut edge against deformation without requiring complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If the connecting means is fully integrated within the profile strip, then the structure appears cleaner, but the connection strength between adjacent profiles is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting means extends in the longitudinal direction beyond the edge region of the profile strip. This dimensional extension allows the connecting means to engage with both the first and second profile strips, providing robust mechanical connection strength while minimizing visual impact by being positioned at the edge region rather than prominently exposed.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2446097B1Floor profile assembly
Publication Date: 2015.02.25 KUBERIT PROFILE SYSTEMS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2446097B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2446097B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2446097B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a floor profile arrangement, particularly for laying floor coverings (10), comprising at least one profile strip (1) comprising at least one retaining device (2) by which a first partial segment (4) of a connecting means (15) is retained, wherein a second partial segment (14) of the connecting means (15) protrudes past an edge area (5) of the profile strip (1) in the longitudinal axis (L) for connecting to a further profile strip (1).