Insertion Connector for Insulating Glass Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for hollow profiles of spacers or rungs in insulating glass panes lack universality and are not suitable for use with clips or other fastening elements, particularly for warm-edge profiles with thin walls or specific cross-sectional shapes.
Innovation Solution
A connector with elongated, narrow through openings in the central wall allowing unhindered passage of clips or fasteners, combined with flared spring lugs and Ω-shaped cross-section for enhanced mechanical stability and retention, suitable for stamped and bent metal parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the central wall is made solid to increase mechanical stability, then the connector gains rigidity, but clips or fasteners cannot pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The central wall is segmented by introducing narrow elongated through openings that allow clips to pass through while maintaining solid structure elsewhere. This segmentation enables the wall to simultaneously provide mechanical stability and allow fastener passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The central wall has different local properties: narrow elongated regions (through openings) that allow clip passage and broader solid regions that provide mechanical strength. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between stability and operability.
2Ease of operation
If large through openings are provided to allow easy passage of clips, then clips can pass freely, but the central wall loses mechanical strength
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of one large opening, the wall is segmented into multiple narrow elongated openings. These segmented openings collectively allow clip passage while distributing the structural weakness, maintaining overall wall strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The through openings are elongated in one dimension (length) while remaining narrow in the perpendicular dimension (width). This dimensional differentiation allows clips to pass through the elongated direction while the narrow width preserves wall strength.
3Reliability
If retaining elements are added to improve retention, then the connector holds hollow profiles better, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining elements are merged with the central wall as integrated features rather than separate components. This combining approach improves retention while avoiding the complexity of additional parts and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The central wall serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains through openings for clips, and incorporates retaining elements for profile retention. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while achieving multiple goals.
4Reliability
If the connector is designed for specific hollow profile shapes, then retention is optimized, but universality and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design with elongated through openings and integrated retaining elements creates a universal solution that can accommodate various hollow profile shapes and clip types, enhancing adaptability while maintaining effective retention.
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 connector provides high mechanical stability and optimized retention for various hollow profile shapes, accommodating tolerances and allowing additional retaining elements, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
flared spring lugs... An optimized adaptation to the hollow profile shape while accommodating its tolerances and a particularly good retention effect can be achieved by lateral bulging of the angled side walls and the formation of spring bridges.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an insertion connector (1) for hollow profiled elements (17, 18) of spacers or mullions for insulating glass panes. The insertion connector comprises lateral walls (3) and at least one central wall (2) having at least one long opening (9) extending along the longitudinal axis (23) of the connector, and at least one holding element (7) projecting from the central wall (2). The holding element (7) is arranged adjacently to the through-opening (9). The insertion connector (1) can comprise other holding elements on the lateral walls (3).