Metal Profile Joint with Keyed Support Plate for Rigid Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly systems for metal profiles, such as those used in gate manufacturing, face challenges in achieving sufficient rigidity without precision machining, allowing on-site adjustments, and being financially competitive, while also being removable and aesthetically versatile.
Innovation Solution
The proposed assembly system secures one aluminum profile to another using a support plate with a hole for a screw that passes through a C-shaped groove, combined with a key that fits snugly into the profile's internal space, preventing pivoting and deformation, and allowing for angular adjustments without requiring C-shaped grooves on multiple faces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If precision machining and screwing operations are used to achieve rigidity, then the rigidity requirement is met, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate modular components: a connection piece with external threading, a support plate, and a profile with integrated internal threading. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently through extrusion rather than precision machining, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining rigidity through the threaded connection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The profile design integrates multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains internal longitudinal grooves for sliding insertion, includes alveoli-type cavities for screw engagement, and features C-shaped grooves for support plate attachment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate machining operations, achieving rigidity through design rather than post-processing
2Strength
If precision machining is used to ensure rigidity, then warping is prevented, but on-site adjustment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static, permanently machined joint to a dynamic, adjustable assembly. The threaded connection piece can be screwed into or out of the profile's internal threading, allowing on-site adjustment of position and angle while maintaining rigidity when fully engaged. The support plate can also be repositioned along the C-shaped groove before final tightening
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of connection parameters (position, angle, depth) through the threaded mechanism before final tightening. The internal threading and connection piece design enable variation in insertion depth and angular orientation, providing flexibility for on-site adjustments while ensuring rigid connection when parameters are optimized
3Ease of operation
If traditional connectors with C-shaped grooves are used, then assembly is simplified, but rigidity is insufficient for large gates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple connection mechanisms into a single integrated system: the sliding insertion into longitudinal grooves provides initial alignment, the threaded connection piece provides rigid structural connection, and the support plate with C-shaped groove attachment provides lateral stabilization. This combination achieves both assembly simplicity and the rigidity required for large gates
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system uses composite construction with the connection piece and support plate (potentially different materials or treatments) working together with the aluminum profile. The threaded metal connection piece provides tensile strength while the support plate distributes lateral loads, creating a composite connection system that exceeds the rigidity of either component alone
4Ease of operation
If assembly systems requiring C-shaped grooves on multiple faces are used, then connection is achieved, but aesthetic versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential connection function from the C-shaped groove requirement. The connection piece with external threading engages with internal threading directly integrated into the profile, eliminating the need for C-shaped grooves on multiple faces. This allows profiles to maintain clean, uninterrupted surfaces for aesthetic purposes while achieving secure connection through the threaded mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A system for joining two metal profiles, wherein a first profile (1) is intended to be joined to a second profile (2) by bringing one of its ends (10) into contact with a lateral face (20) of the second profile (2), this lateral face (20) comprising a C-shaped groove (21) in which a support plate (4) is slid, the support plate having at least one hole (40) for the passage of a screw (3) intended to be screwed into the end of a recess (11, 12) of the first profile (1), the support plate (4) being associated with a key (5) of shape and peripheral dimensions allowing it to be inserted without play into the internal space (14) of the end (10), of the key (5) having means (54, 57) for interlocking with the support plate (4), one of which (54) is also suitable to fit tightly into the opening (26) of the C-shaped throat (21).