Helical Profile Nut Connector for Round and Pre-Assembled Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing profile slot connection connectors are limited in their ability to be pre-assembled on objects and can only be used with profiles that have a flat outer groove boundary, as they require a tilting movement to engage with the undercut groove, making it impossible to connect to round profiles or profiles with pre-assembled connectors.
Innovation Solution
A profile slot connection connector with a helically designed head piece that can be easily introduced into the undercut groove through a rotary movement, allowing for connection to profiles with any geometry and enabling pre-assembled connectors to be attached to carrier profiles by rotating around the axis of the shank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a head piece with tilting movement is used to engage with the undercut groove, then the connector can be secured in the groove, but it cannot be used with round profiles or profiles with pre-assembled connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The head piece is designed with a helical (curved) geometry instead of a straight linear form. The helical blades wrap around the shaft in a spiral pattern, enabling the connector to engage with round profiles and already assembled connector structures by following the curved path into the undercut groove, rather than requiring a tilting movement that only works with flat-profile access.
2Productivity
If objects are pre-assembled with multiple connectors, then assembly efficiency is improved, but the connectors cannot be inserted into the groove
Solution Approach 1:
The helical head piece geometry allows the connector to be rotated into the groove along a curved insertion path. This rotational engagement mechanism enables pre-assembled objects with multiple connectors to be installed, as the helical blades can navigate around existing structures and engage with the undercut groove without requiring the tilting movement that would be blocked by pre-assembled components.
3Reliability
If a flat outer groove boundary surface is required, then the connector can be securely fastened, but round profiles cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The helical head piece is specifically designed to engage with round profiles through its spiral blade geometry. The curved helical path allows the connector to penetrate and secure itself in the undercut groove of round profiles, maintaining fastening reliability without requiring a flat outer groove boundary surface. The helical structure naturally conforms to curved profile geometries while still achieving secure engagement.
Data Source
Figure 1a~8
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A profile groove connector 4 comprises a connector 18 with a head piece 5. The head piece 5 is designed to engage in an undercut groove 2 of a profile 1 and to insert the head piece 5 into the undercut of the groove 2 through the groove opening 3, which follows the longitudinal extent of the profile 1. The connector 4 includes means for connecting an object to it. Furthermore, the connector 4 is associated with a locking element 12 with at least one locking bar 15, 15.1 designed to engage in the groove 2 and to secure the head piece 5 inserted into the undercut of the groove 2. The head piece 5 is designed as a helix with at least one projecting helix leaf 8, 8.1, the span of which is greater and the thickness of which is less than the clear width of the opening 3 of the groove 2. In addition, the height of the head piece 5 is less than the clear height of the undercut of the groove 2.To secure the head piece 5 of the at least one bolt 15, 15.1 of the locking element 12, which engages in the undercut of the groove 2, the locking element interacts with at least one projecting spiral wing 8, 8.1. A further described arrangement comprises a profile 1 with at least one undercut groove, in particular designed as a keder groove 2, and with one or more profile groove connection connectors 4 of the aforementioned type. These connectors are secured and held by the locking element 12 with their head pieces 5 engaging in the groove 2.