Frame Construction Snap-Fit Locking Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing frame construction methods for fire protection require high assembly effort due to drilling screw holes and lack precision, and holders need to be adapted for different surface element thicknesses, leading to inefficiencies in production and storage.
Innovation Solution
The frame members are equipped with undercut locking grooves, allowing holders to be fixed without drilling screw holes, and the holders consist of adjustable angle elements that can be precisely positioned and locked, accommodating various surface element thicknesses without the need for spacers or additional holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screw holes are drilled and screws are used to fix holders to frame members, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the assembly effort and time are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical screw-fixing system with a snap-in system where holders engage with locking grooves in the frame members. The holder includes a fixing element that snaps into the groove and can be secured with a locking element, eliminating the need for drilling and screwing operations while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is divided into separate components: a main body with a fixing element that engages the locking groove, and a separate locking element that secures the connection. This segmentation allows for quick assembly by snapping the holder into place and then securing it with the locking element, significantly reducing assembly effort compared to traditional screw-fixing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If holders are designed to accommodate different surface element thicknesses, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holder includes an adjustable component that can be positioned at different locations along the holder body to accommodate varying surface element thicknesses. This adjustability feature allows a single holder design to adapt to different thickness requirements without requiring multiple specialized holder variants, thereby reducing device complexity and production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed with multi-functional capabilities: it can secure surface elements of different thicknesses using the same holder body with adjustable components, and it provides both initial positioning through the fixing element and final securing through the locking element. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple holder variants for different thicknesses.
3Measurement precision
If holders are fixed to frame members using traditional methods, then positioning is achieved, but assembly precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hand-drilling operations with a precision-molded snap-in system. The locking grooves in the frame members and corresponding fixing elements in the holders are manufactured with precise tolerances through molding, ensuring accurate positioning without requiring manual drilling operations. This substitution of mechanical drilling with precision-molded features significantly improves positioning accuracy while reducing assembly time.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
Each support consists of an angular element (AE) designed so that the support's two legs crosswise to the surface formed out of the frame sections (FS) encompass an elemental surface. AE legs facing the FS have a locking stay to engage in a locking groove on the FS. Outer (2) and inner (3) shells have locking grooves (5-7).