Insertable Connector With Edge Ramps For Hollow Profile Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for hollow profiles, especially those used in multi-pane insulating glass, often fail to securely fasten at higher processing speeds, leading to potential desiccant leakage and requiring additional caulking steps that reduce throughput.
Innovation Solution
The connector features ramps as elevations on its sides with varying or constant spacing, exclusively in the edge region, allowing precise engagement with bumps or perforations for secure fastening without additional work steps, and can be designed as angle, cross, or U-connectors with countersunk or protruding elevations for enhanced stability and seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If connectors are designed with simple lateral fins and protrusions, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of fastening deteriorates at higher processing speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The connector features varying spacing between protrusions in different regions (edge region vs center region) to optimize local engagement characteristics. The edge region has smaller spacing for secure engagement, while the center region has larger spacing, creating locally optimized fastening properties throughout the connector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs asymmetric protrusion patterns with different spacing configurations on different sides and regions of the connector. This asymmetric design allows the protrusions to engage more effectively with corresponding features on the hollow profile, improving fastening reliability without requiring complex additional structures.
2Reliability
If connectors are secured by riveting, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to additional work steps
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with self-securing protrusions that automatically engage with corresponding features on the hollow profile during insertion. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional riveting or fastening operations, maintaining high fastening reliability while preserving processing throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are pre-configured on the connector with specific spacing patterns that enable automatic engagement with the hollow profile features before the assembly process completes. This preliminary positioning ensures secure fastening occurs as part of the primary insertion operation rather than requiring separate fastening steps.
3Reliability
If protrusions are placed across the entire underside of the connector, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are segmented into distinct groups with different spacing patterns - one group in the edge region with smaller spacing and another group in the center region with larger spacing. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of each section while achieving comprehensive fastening coverage through the combination of multiple protrusion groups.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The connector (1) has uprisings i.e. rising sloping surfaces, provided at its lower side and arranged at different distances from each other in an edge area of the connector. The uprisings are provided on a surface arranged opposite to a base (2) that has a through hole. An uppermost level of the uprisings is closed with the base or projects above the base. Center stoppers provide an insertion length in a spacer-hollow profile that is made of metal and plastic. The stoppers are arranged at outer sides of longitudinal side bars (3, 4). A compensating element (7) is attached to the stoppers.