Housing Connection via Profiled Section Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing housing connection methods require significant mounting space, are visually unappealing, and involve complex assembly processes, as seen in prior art such as strap hinges and visibly exposed screw connections.
Innovation Solution
The integration of outwardly projecting tabs with screw holes on the top and bottom parts that connect via a profiled section connector, allowing for a visually concealed screw connection, with optional hinges and latching profiles for secure and detachable assembly, using metallic materials for enhanced strength and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If strap hinges with terminal base parts are used for connecting top part and bottom part, then the connection is secure, but the assembly requires complex terminal blocking and large channels within the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into separate functional elements: tabs with screw holes on the top part, corresponding screw holes on the bottom part, and a profiled section connector. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex integrated terminal blocking mechanisms while maintaining secure connection through distributed screw fastening points.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal blocking function is extracted from the hinge mechanism itself and implemented as separate lateral projections on the housing that cover the hinge area. This allows the hinge to be a simple pivot connection without complex integrated blocking features, reducing overall assembly complexity.
2Strength
If covers are screw-connected to the housing as disclosed in WO 2006/015805, then the connection is secure, but the screw connection is clearly visible from the exterior
Solution Approach 1:
The profiled section connector serves as an intermediary element that houses the screw connections internally. The connector's closed surface design conceals all screw fastening points, while still providing secure mechanical connection through the screw holes in the tabs and connector. This mediator element separates the functional requirement (secure screw connection) from the aesthetic requirement (clean exterior).
3Ease of operation
If the hinge area is exposed, then the hinge is accessible for operation, but dirt can easily penetrate and the hinge is vulnerable to lateral impacts and damages
Solution Approach 1:
Lateral projections are provided on the top part and/or bottom part that extend into the hinge area before any harmful contact can occur. These projections create a protective barrier that prevents dirt penetration and lateral impacts from reaching the hinge mechanism, while still allowing the hinge to pivot freely within the protected space.
4Ease of manufacture
If the profiled section connector is made with open surface for screw-in option, then the screw connection is accessible, but the screw holes are visible from the exterior
Solution Approach 1:
The screw connection mechanism is nested within the profiled section connector structure. The screw holes and screw-in options are positioned on the inner side of the connector, concealed by the connector's closed outer surface. This nesting arrangement allows complete screw connection accessibility from the interior while presenting a clean, uninterrupted exterior surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A housing has a bottom part with a bottom and bottom part sidewalls. A top is provided that has a top and top part sidewalls. The top part is provided on one of the top part sidewalls with one or more integrally formed monolithic first tabs that project outwardly from the top part sidewall. The one or more first tabs each have one or more first screw holes. A first profiled section connector is provided with a first profiled part that has one or more first screw-in options aligned with the one or more first screw holes, respectively. The first profiled part is screw-connected through the one or more first screw holes and the one or more first screw-in options to the top part. The first profiled section connector connects the bottom part and the top part to each other.