Flat Protective Device Holding Element for Tear-Resistant Web Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding parts for flat protective devices, such as sun protection and curtains, face challenges in maintaining a strong and tear-resistant connection between the holding parts and the surface web, especially under point loads from wind or child pull forces, and require complex processing and thick support members.

Innovation Solution

A holding part comprising a first tab with a guide element, injection-molded onto a lug, and a second lug, both connectable to the surface web via adhesive or material-locking connections, utilizing thermoplastic material for a strong and cost-effective bond, with optional inserts for increased holding power and symmetry for versatile orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If holding members are clamped in a form-fitting manner onto a thickened area on the side edges of the roofing material, then the connection strength is improved, but complex individual processing of individual holding members is required and relatively thick support members are needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding member is divided into two functional parts: a flat tab for connection to the surface web and a guide element (slider body) for engagement with the guide rail. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the tab can be thin and flexible while the guide element provides the necessary structural strength, eliminating the need for thick support members throughout the entire holding member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element is injection-molded directly onto the tab in an integrated manufacturing process. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and complex individual processing, while the injection molding process efficiently creates the strong connection between the tab and guide element without requiring thick materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If thick support members are used for holding parts, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Strength is concentrated locally at the critical connection points - the injection-molded bond between the tab and guide element, and the adhesive or material-locking connection between the tab and surface web. The majority of the tab can be made from thin material since it only needs to transmit forces, not resist them. This local quality approach minimizes material usage while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The holding member combines different materials with complementary properties: the tab uses a thin, flexible material (such as textile or foil) that is easy to connect to the surface web, while the guide element uses a rigid, strong material (such as plastic or metal) that provides structural strength and guides the holding member in the rail. This composite structure achieves high strength with minimal material usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If simple attachment methods are used for holding members, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the connection strength and tear resistance are insufficient under point loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidtear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The guide element is pre-formed through injection molding with features specifically designed to distribute point loads - such as a broad contact surface in the guide rail and reinforced connection areas. This preliminary structuring ensures that when the holding member is installed, point loads are automatically distributed across multiple points, preventing tearing without requiring complex attachment methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tab acts as an intermediary element between the surface web and the guide element. It provides a large surface area for adhesive or material-locking connection to the surface web, distributing loads across this intermediate layer. This intermediary tab protects the connection from tearing by preventing concentrated forces from reaching the bond line, while the injection-molded connection to the guide element provides secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides a robust, cost-effective, and versatile connection that effectively compensates for point loads and simplifies manufacturing, ensuring a strong and secure attachment of the holding part to the surface web, enhancing the holding power and ease of production.

Implementation Method 1

The first tab preferably has at least one surface section made of a thermoplastic material. The surface section made of thermoplastic material can be heated to produce a very strong connection to any surface web.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal melting of thermoplastic material: Melting

Implementation Method 2

The guide element is designed in the form of a slider body made of plastic, which is injection-molded onto the at least one lug, in particular the first lug.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInjection molding:

Data Source

PatentEP2977622B1Holding element, flat protective device and method for the preparation of holding element and protection device
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 MHZ HACHTEL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2977622B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~4c
  • EP2977622B1 patent drawingFigure 2c
  • EP2977622B1 patent drawingFigure 2d

AI summary

The invention relates to a holding part (36) for a flat protective device, the holding part (36) comprising: a first tab made of a flat material and a guide element (38) which is attached to the first tab, the first tab being glued and/or a material connection can be connected to a surface web of the protective device. The invention also relates to a flat protective device with such a holding part and a method for producing the holding part and protective device.