Nameplate End Piece Assembly with Segmented Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional nameplates made of metal, particularly aluminum, require significant metal usage, leading to high production costs and oversized fastening needs, while offering limited configuration options and aesthetic appeal.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates end pieces with complementary assembly means that allow for the combination of two identical profiles without a metal bottom, reducing metal usage and enabling a range of configurations through adjustable profile widths and guide mechanisms for identification plates, using plastic for end pieces to maintain aesthetic appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a metal profile with bottom is used for nameplates, then structural strength and stability are improved, but metal consumption increases leading to higher production costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmetal consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The nameplate is divided into separate components: end pieces and profiles, which can be assembled together. This segmentation allows the metal profile to be reduced or eliminated while maintaining structural integrity through the assembly of multiple smaller components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines different materials for different parts: plastic end pieces and metal profiles (or vice versa). This composite approach allows reduction of metal usage while maintaining overall structural strength through the combination of materials with different properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If a metal profile with bottom is used for nameplates, then structural stability is improved, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the nameplate into end pieces and profiles, the invention enables more efficient manufacturing. Each component can be produced separately using optimized processes, and the assembly step simplifies production while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters and assembly configuration of the nameplate components. By adjusting the shape, size, and connection methods of end pieces and profiles, structural stability is maintained while reducing material costs and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Shape

If traditional metal nameplates are used, then aesthetic appeal is maintained, but configuration options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidconfiguration options
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The modular segmentation into end pieces and profiles enables multiple configuration options. Different combinations, orientations, and arrangements of these components can create various nameplate shapes and configurations while maintaining aesthetic appeal through consistent design language.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The end pieces and profiles are designed as universal components that can be used in multiple configurations and applications. This multi-functionality allows a single set of components to create diverse nameplate variations, enhancing adaptability while maintaining aesthetic consistency.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2037431B1Data plate
Publication Date: 2011.10.12 DOAL CONCEPT
  • EP2037431B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2037431B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP2037431B1 patent drawingFigure 8~10

AI summary

The end cap (1) has assembling units comprising a circular-shaped pin (8) and two flat and rectangular-shaped filler strips (12, 13) that are handled at a vicinity of each of two ends. The assembling units cooperate with complementary assembling units e.g. recess (24) and housings, of a large dimension section (18) and a small dimension section, respectively. The recess and the housings are protruded and staggered with respect to one another, and are arranged so as to sandwich a complementary portion presented by one of the sections.