Frame Profile Connection Using a Tilting Block for Cable Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional modular housing systems for electronic components face issues with cable protection and mechanical connection stability, as cables are exposed and frame profiles are difficult to produce with high technical effort.

Innovation Solution

A connecting device for frame profiles featuring a protruding insertion flap and a tipping block with lever sections, allowing for a mechanical connection with high contact pressure and ease of assembly, enabling the routing of various lines within the frame profiles and reducing production effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional modular housing systems with spars and corner nodes are used, then the frame structure can be assembled, but the mechanical connection stability is insufficient and cables remain exposed and unprotected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical connection stabilityVSAvoidcable exposure and damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow frame profiles are designed to nest within each other, with inner profiles inserted into outer profiles. Cables are routed inside the hollow cross-sections of the frame profiles, providing protection while maintaining structural integrity. This nested arrangement simultaneously achieves mechanical stability and cable protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame profiles serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable mechanical connection through integrated connecting devices, and offer protective channels for cable routing. The hollow cross-section is utilized both for structural purposes and as a conduit for cable protection, eliminating the need for separate cable management systems.

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

2Strength

If frame profiles with high mechanical connection force are designed, then the connection stability improves, but the production effort and technical complexity increase considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical connecting forceVSAvoidproduction effort
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is segmented into modular components: insertion flaps on one frame profile, corresponding recesses on the other profile, and tipping blocks with lever sections. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled through simple insertion and leverage actions, reducing overall production complexity while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tipping block mechanism uses leverage physics to automatically generate high contact pressure when the lever section is inserted and tipped. The mechanical advantage inherent in the lever design means that minimal insertion force produces substantial clamping pressure, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations or complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard frame profiles are used, then the adaptability for different applications improves, but the ability to provide high mechanical connection force decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuitability for different frame profilesVSAvoidmechanical connection force
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is designed with universal compatibility: insertion flaps and recesses can be configured in various patterns on different frame profile types (hollow, T-frame, plate elements). The tipping block mechanism works with any profile that provides the basic geometric features, allowing the same connection principle to be applied across diverse frame configurations without redesign.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device concentrates mechanical advantage at specific local points: the tipping point of the lever section and the contact surfaces between frame profiles. By optimizing the local geometry at these critical points (lever arm lengths, contact surface areas, insertion flap shapes), high connection forces are achieved at the connection interface while the overall frame profiles can remain simple and adaptable to different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 connecting device provides a stable and secure mechanical connection between frame profiles with minimal technical effort, allowing for the routing of different types of lines and simplifying the assembly process, while reducing production complexity and enhancing protection of cables.

Implementation Method 1

the first lever section of the tipping block, inserted into the insertion opening of the protruding insertion lug, exerting a tensile force on the insertion lug of the first frame profile, which has been pushed through the breakout slot of the second frame profile, so that the first frame profile is pressed with a corresponding contact pressure against the profile wall of the second frame profile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLeverage effect: Lever

Implementation Method 2

the two frame profiles are stably connected to one another for assembly with a high contact pressure due to the leverage effect of the two lever sections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3751155B1Connecting device for the mechanical connection of frame sections
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 KLAUS OSTERMEIER GMBH

AI summary

A connecting device (1) for the mechanical connection of frame profiles (2) is described, wherein a first frame profile (2A) has at least one projecting insertion tab (3A) which can be inserted through a correspondingly shaped knockout slot (4B) provided in a profile wall (10B) of a further frame profile (2B), wherein the projecting insertion tab (3A) of the first frame profile (2A) has an insertion opening (5A) for inserting a first lever section (6-1) of a tilting block (6) which has a second lever section (6-2) with an outwardly curved contour which rests at a tilting point (K) on the profile wall (10B) of the second frame profile (2B), wherein the second lever section (6-2) of the tilting block (6) can be pulled around the tilting point (K) towards the profile wall (10B) of the second frame profile (2B) by means of at least one connecting element (9),wherein the first lever section (6-1) of the tilting stone (6), inserted into the insertion opening (5A) of the protruding insertion tab (3A), exerts a tensile force (Fz) on the insertion tab (3A) of the first frame profile (2A) which is inserted through the breakout slot (4B) of the second frame profile (2B), so that the first frame profile (2A) is pressed against the profile wall (10B) of the second frame profile (2B) with a corresponding contact force (Fa).