Multi-chamber Profile Insert for Crash-Resistant Fastening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hollow profiles used in vehicle construction for connecting add-on parts compromise the deformation behavior during crashes due to structural modifications and weakening of partition walls from insertions and connections.
Innovation Solution
A hollow profile design featuring a multi-chamber structure with an insert that has a peg-shaped connecting flange engaging form-fittingly through an adapted opening in the boundary wall, minimizing structural intervention and maintaining deformation properties, and allowing secure connections via screws or non-positive connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sleeve is passed through the entire cross section of the multi-chamber hollow profile including partition walls, then add-on parts can be connected to the hollow profile, but the profile structure is damaged and deformation behavior changes adversely
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the connection function from the hollow profile structure itself by using a separate insert element. The insert is received in a chamber of the hollow profile and provides connection points for add-on parts, thereby eliminating the need to pass connection elements through the entire profile including partition walls. This preserves the structural integrity of the hollow profile while maintaining connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert acts as an intermediary element between the hollow profile and add-on parts. Instead of directly connecting add-on parts to the hollow profile (which would require penetrating partition walls), the insert is positioned within a chamber of the hollow profile and provides connection points. This intermediary structure enables connections without compromising the hollow profile's deformation behavior.
2Ease of operation
If threaded inserts are welded or glued to the hollow profile element, then screw connections for add-on parts are achieved, but the deformation behavior of the hollow profile is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The connection capability is extracted from the hollow profile structure and transferred to a separate insert element. The insert is received in a chamber of the hollow profile and contains connection points for screw connections. This separation allows the hollow profile to maintain its original deformation behavior while the insert provides the necessary connection functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a T-slot with T-nut is provided on the bottom wall of a closed profile, then add-on parts can be connected using a screw, but the profile structure is modified and deformation behavior changes
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is extracted from the hollow profile structure and implemented in a separate insert element. The insert is received in a chamber of the hollow profile and contains the T-slot or other connection features. This approach enables fastening capability while preserving the hollow profile's structural integrity and deformation behavior.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a hollow profile (1) having at least one internal partition (2) for forming chambers (3, 4), in which, in order to fix an attached part to the hollow profile (1), an insert part (10) is arranged in a mounting position within one chamber (3), and the insert part (10) has a connecting means (11) for producing a connection to the attached part. According to the invention the insert part (10) is formed as a multi-chamber profile having a profile direction (R2) extending a right angles to the profile direction (R1) of the hollow profile (1) and at right angles to the partition (2), for an interface (12) of the insert part (10), resting on an outer boundary wall (5) of the hollow profile (1), to have a journal-like connecting flange (13) which, in order to fix the insert part (10) in the mounting position, engages with a form fit in a through opening (6) in the boundary wall (5), and for the insert part (10) to be formed with a length (L)in the profile direction (R2) of the latter for the insertion of the insert part (10) into the chamber (3) of the hollow profile (1) and for positioning the same in the mounting position.