L-profile Terrace Edge Element Monolithic Wear Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge strips for terrace structures are prone to loosening and do not withstand intensive wear and use effectively.
Innovation Solution
An L-profile shaped element formed as a monolithic piece with legs of equal thickness, featuring joint parts for secure connection and turnability, made from a composite material like wood-plastic, which can be used to form angular structures and installed as an edge cover for terraces and stairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If known edge strips are used to finish terrace structures, then the visual look is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because they are easily loosened and do not withstand intensive wear and use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the edge strip and the terrace structure into a single monolithic element, eliminating the interface between separate components that causes loosening. The L-profile shaped element is formed as one piece with the terrace structure, integrating the finishing function directly into the load-bearing structure, thereby maintaining visual appearance while dramatically improving resistance to loosening and wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials (such as wood-plastic composites) to create the L-profile shaped element, combining the aesthetic properties needed for visual finishing with the mechanical strength and durability required to withstand intensive wear and use. The composite material provides both the desired appearance and the enhanced reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional separate edge strips are used, then installation is simple, but the strength deteriorates because they cannot withstand intensive wear and use
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the edge strip and terrace structure into a monolithic L-profile element, the invention eliminates the need for separate installation steps while simultaneously providing the integrated strength needed to withstand intensive wear and use. The single-piece construction removes the weak interface between components.
3Reliability
If the L-profile shaped element is made as a monolithic piece, then the reliability improves by preventing loosening, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the L-profile shaped element itself is monolithic, the invention applies segmentation to the overall terrace structure by using multiple such elements that can be assembled together. This modular approach maintains the reliability benefits of monolithic construction while managing complexity through standardized, repeatable units with joint parts for connection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If joint parts are provided on all edges of the L-profile shaped element, then the adaptability improves for different positions, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides joint parts on all edges of the L-profile shaped element, making each element universal and adaptable to multiple positions and orientations. This multi-functionality allows the same element design to be used throughout the terrace structure, simplifying inventory and installation while the standardized joint parts ensure consistent alignment through repeatable connection geometry.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to an L-profile shaped element for covering an edge of a terrace structure. The L-profile shaped element includes a first (2) and a second (3) leg arranged to have substantially the same thicknesses. At least one edge of each leg is provided with joint parts (13), being selected from a groove or tongue structure, functioning in the substantially same manner regardless which way around the element has been turned. The L-profile shaped element (1) being arranged to be joined from the thicknesswise end (7) of at least one of the first leg (2) and the second leg (3) to at least one plank-like additional element of substantially the same thickness, which is adapted to be connected to said L-profile shaped element by means of the joint parts (13).