Hinged Hollow Profile Connector for Tolerance-Compensating Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for angular connections of hollow profiles to buildings, such as facades and roofs, lack flexibility to compensate for structural tolerances and require complex and costly adjustments, affecting alignment and load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A modular connector system with a mounting body and multiple connection elements that allow for detachable, form-fitting connections, enabling flexible alignment and high load transfer, while incorporating features like groove-shaped recesses and complementary profiles for secure positioning and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If connectors are prefabricated with fixed angles, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because building tolerances cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple separable components: a mounting body that attaches to the building and connection elements that attach to the profile. These segments can be independently positioned and adjusted relative to each other, allowing the overall alignment to be corrected while maintaining precise manufacturing of individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates movable and rotatable connection elements that allow dynamic adjustment of the profile's position and angle relative to the building. This enables the system to adapt to building tolerances while maintaining precise angular relationships through controlled movement rather than fixed rigid connections.
2Strength
If connector elements are rigidly connected to building and profile, then strength is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because corrections are impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid structural connections are segmented into adjustable modular components. Each segment can be independently positioned and secured, allowing the system to maintain strong load-bearing connections while enabling alignment corrections through repositioning of individual segments before final securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector allows preliminary positioning and alignment adjustments to be made before final securing to the building and profile. This preliminary action enables correction of alignment issues while the connections are still adjustable, after which the rigid secure connections are established to provide full load-bearing capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex welding work is performed on-site to connect separate elements, then adaptability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector replaces complex welding operations with simplified mechanical connection mechanisms. The connection elements feature integrated mounting structures that enable direct mechanical attachment to both the building and profile through standardized connection interfaces, eliminating the need for on-site welding while maintaining structural integrity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: mounting attachment, angle adjustment, alignment correction, and structural connection. This consolidation allows all necessary adaptations and connections to be achieved through one assembly operation rather than multiple separate welding and adjustment steps, significantly improving assembly productivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional parts and components are used for corrections, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and load-bearing capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector's mounting body and connection elements are designed with multi-functional capabilities: they provide structural attachment, enable angular adjustment, allow alignment correction, and maintain load-bearing capacity all through the same integrated components. This universality eliminates the need for additional specialized parts for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (1) for the angled connection of at least one hollow profile (100), particularly for facades, roofs, conservatories, and the like, to a structure (200), in particular a ceiling element, a wall element, and the like. The connector (1) comprises a mounting body (2) that can be attached or fastened to the structure (200) in a form-fit, force-fit, and/or material-fit manner, preferably detachably, a first connection element (3) with a first end (3.1) and a second end (3.2), and at least one second connection element (4) with a first end (4.1) and a second end (4.2). The first connection element (3) can be detachably attached or fastened to the mounting body (2), particularly at its first end (3.1), and positioned relative to it. The at least one second connection element (4) can be attached or fastened, particularly at its second end (4.1).2) to the at least one hollow profile (100) indirectly or directly by means of a form-fit, force-fit and/or material-fit connection, preferably detachably, connectable or connected. The first connecting element (3), in particular with the second end (3.2), and the at least one second connecting element (4), in particular with the first end (4.1), are movably connectable or connected to each other in such a way that the first connecting element (3) and the at least one second connecting element (4) form a hinge (5).