Hollow Profile Anchoring With Internal Split Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for connecting hollow profiles, such as handrails and posts, require complex equipment or high craftsmanship, and fail to allow for adjustable angles and simple outdoor assembly with basic tools, while maintaining mechanical strength and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

The use of two separate connecting parts with semicircular extensions that protrude through a bore in the hollow profile's lateral surface, allowing for adjustable angle alignment and secure anchoring without protruding parts or material removal, using a screw connection and elastic prestressing for rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If expansion dowels with spring tongues are used for fastening, then anchoring to the lateral surface is achieved, but bending strength is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending strengthVSAvoidanchoring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection fitting is divided into multiple parts: a first part with a longitudinal insertion area for the ending tube, and a second part with a transverse insertion area for the continuous hollow profile. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, achieving both ease of assembly and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection fitting uses extensions that protrude in different spatial dimensions - one extension protrudes longitudinally through the ending tube while another extension protrudes transversely through the continuous hollow profile. This multi-dimensional anchoring significantly improves bending strength compared to single-direction anchoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-part connection fittings are used for T-connection, then anchoring is achieved, but angle adjustability is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle adjustabilityVSAvoidconnection fitting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection fitting incorporates a pivotable nut part that can rotate within the holding part in the cavity of the continuous hollow profile. This dynamic element allows the angle between the handrail and upright to be adjusted during assembly, enabling adaptation to different stair or path inclines while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If holding parts are moved manually in long hollow profiles, then anchoring components are positioned, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidtime to position holding part
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The nut part is retained in the holding part by elastic braking extensions that automatically engage when the nut part is inserted into the cavity. This self-retaining mechanism eliminates the need for manual positioning and securing of the holding part along long hollow profiles, significantly improving assembly speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Shape

If connections are made with protruding parts or material removal, then anchoring is achieved, but aesthetic appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidanchoring simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection fitting is inserted into the hollow profiles and anchored from the inside, with extensions protruding through the cavity to bear against the inner surfaces. This nested configuration allows anchoring to be achieved without external protruding parts or material removal from the outer surface, preserving the aesthetic appearance of the hollow profiles while maintaining anchoring simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables adjustable angle alignment and secure anchoring of hollow profiles with high bending strength and stiffness, allowing for simple outdoor assembly with basic tools, meeting strength and aesthetic requirements without the need for complex equipment or heavy machinery.

Implementation Method 1

Especially with long hollow profiles, it is very tedious to move the holding part to the right place. It is braced by an elastic extension in the cavity to prevent it from rolling away.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3561196B1Device comprising a hollow profile and an object anchored to the surface of the hollow profile
Publication Date: 2021.12.08 BURSCHER FRANZ
  • EP3561196B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3561196B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3561196B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device comprising a hollow profile (1) and an object (2) anchored to the outer surface of the hollow profile (1), wherein the outer surface of the hollow profile (1) is penetrated by a bore (7) and connecting parts (3, 4, 16, 17, 20, 21) extend into the cavity in the hollow profile (1). Each pair of separate connecting parts (3, 4; 16, 17; 20, 21) has a projection (8, 9, 14, 15, 23, 25) which projects through the bore (7) into the cavity of the hollow profile (1). In the assembled state, both connecting parts (3, 4; 16, 17; 20, 21) are rigidly connected to each other outside the hollow profile (1). The rigid structure formed by the extensions (8, 9; 14, 15; 23, 25) of both connecting parts (3, 4; 16, 17; 20, 21) is wider than the diameter of the bore (7) in a plane normal to the axis of the bore (7).