L-Shape Gliding End Piece Miter Joint Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing L-shaped sliding pieces from metal profile rails are complex, require excessive material, and result in visible seams or optical defects due to spot welding, which complicates the process and affects the aesthetic and structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

A method involving cutting a profile rail into sections with a triangular cut at the transition from horizontal to vertical sections, allowing the sections to be angled and permanently connected at the miter, eliminating visible seams and enabling secure assembly without additional post-processing, using techniques like spot welding or gluing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a large amount of material is used to punch out the L-shape from a rectangular profile rail, then the sliding piece can be formed, but excessive material is required and an open seam remains on the visible side

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveL-shape formationVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The profile rail is divided into two separate sections (horizontal and vertical) that are connected via a miter joint. This segmentation allows each section to be optimally sized without requiring excess material for punching, while the miter connection efficiently joins them with minimal material waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a 2D punching approach (cutting L-shape from rectangular profile) to a 3D assembly approach (miter joint connection). By changing the dimensional strategy from planar cutting to spatial assembly, material usage is optimized and visible seams are eliminated.

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

2Strength

If spot welds are applied to secure the punched L-shape, then the shape is secured, but optical changes on the surface occur which are evaluated as material defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshape securityVSAvoidoptical changes and surface defects
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful spot welding process is extracted and replaced by a miter joint connection system. The connection functionality is maintained through mechanical interlocking and adhesive bonding, eliminating the harmful thermal effects and surface discoloration caused by spot welding while preserving structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal-mechanical spot welding process is replaced with a mechanical-adhesive connection system. The miter joint provides mechanical interlocking, while adhesive bonding provides the necessary strength without thermal effects, thereby eliminating surface defects and optical changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Shape

If complex processing steps are used to form the sliding piece, then the L-shape can be produced, but the overall process becomes relatively complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveL-shape productionVSAvoidprocessing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The profile rail is pre-cut to the exact length corresponding to the horizontal and vertical sections of the sliding piece before forming the miter joint. This preliminary dimensioning eliminates the need for subsequent material removal or complex forming operations, simplifying the overall process while ensuring precise L-shape geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2116684B1Method for producing an L-shape gliding end piece for window sills
Publication Date: 2012.03.21 RBB ALUMINUM PROFILTECHN
  • EP2116684B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2116684B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7

AI summary

The production process involves using a strip rail bounded by the outer web (3a) of two webs (3a, 3b), separating off a triangular piece from the strip rail, forming a miter joint at the parting line, and joining the horizontal rear sector (5a) of the joint to the vertical front sector (5b) of the joint at a weld point (7) to fix it permanently.