Modular Cover Rail with Segmented Base and Latching Profile

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cover rails are limited in their versatility and require pre-installation, making them difficult to use during building renovation without removing existing materials, and they have a fixed width, necessitating different rails for various materials.

Innovation Solution

A modular cover rail system comprising a base profile with elongate fastening legs forming a U-shaped cross-section and a cover profile with latching legs, allowing for assembly and easy adjustment of the cover profile to accommodate different materials, with features like inclined contact surfaces for easy separation and a design that allows for universal use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-width cover rail is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the adaptability to different materials and widths is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different materials and widthsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover rail is divided into a base profile and a cover profile that can be assembled together. The base profile remains fixed and simple in structure, while the cover profile can be exchanged to accommodate different material widths and types, thus achieving adaptability without increasing the complexity of the fundamental structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base profile is designed as a universal component that can work with multiple types of cover profiles. This allows the same base profile to serve multiple functions by simply changing the cover profile, enabling the system to adapt to different materials and widths without redesigning the entire cover rail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a cover rail is installed before materials are attached, then the cover rail can be securely fixed, but renovation work requires complete removal of materials and reinstallation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of subsequent attachment during renovationVSAvoidsecure fixation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the cover rail into a fixed base profile and a removable cover profile, the system allows the base profile to remain securely installed on the wall while only the cover profile needs to be removed or adjusted during renovation, eliminating the need to remove and reinstall the entire cover rail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base profile is pre-installed and securely fixed to the wall in advance, creating a stable foundation. This preliminary action ensures reliable fixation while allowing future adjustments or replacements of the cover profile without compromising the security of the installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If different cover rails are used for different materials, then each material is optimally covered, but the quantity of components and inventory complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of different materialsVSAvoidnumber of different cover rail types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The universal base profile can accommodate multiple types of cover profiles designed for different materials (e.g., foil, studded membrane, panels). This allows one base profile to replace multiple specialized cover rails, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining optimal coverage for each material type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the cover rail functionality into a common base structure and material-specific cover profiles. This segmentation allows the base profile to be reused across different applications, reducing the total number of components needed while still providing specialized coverage for each material type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Stability of the object's composition

If the base profile is made rigid for stable mounting, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the profile may bend during installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidinstallation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The base profile is designed with a U-shaped cross-section that provides inherent stiffness and stability for accurate positioning. The segmentation into distinct functional areas (mounting legs, base portion, opening) allows the profile to maintain rigidity where needed while facilitating easy installation through the designed mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3429040B1Covering profile
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 PROTEKTORWERK FLORENZ MAISCH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3429040B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3429040B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3429040B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cover rail with a longitudinally extending base profile having an elongated base section and a first and a second mounting leg, wherein the mounting legs project from the base section and together with at least a part of the base section form a U-shaped cross-section, and a longitudinally extending cover profile having an elongated cover section and a first and a second locking leg, wherein the locking legs project from the cover section such that the cover section has a part arranged between the locking legs and a part projecting laterally over one of the locking legs, wherein the base profile and the cover profile are designed to be assembled to form the cover rail.wherein fastening means are provided on the first and second fastening legs and locking means that can be locked to the fastening means are provided on the first and second locking legs, and wherein, in the assembled state of the cover rail, the fastening means are locked to the locking means and the protruding part of the cover section extends laterally beyond one of the fastening legs.