Parallel Spring Corner Connector for Profile Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corner connecting elements for profile elements at right angles face challenges such as high assembly effort, complex connection processes, gap or step formation, and difficulties in exact alignment due to production tolerances, leading to unsightly and mechanically weak connections.

Innovation Solution

A corner connecting element with a spring element arranged parallel to the profile element's longitudinal direction, featuring spring legs and spacer elements that compensate for production-related tolerances, allowing for easy assembly and gap-free or step-free connections without additional fastening, using materials like polymeric materials for cost-effectiveness and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spring elements are arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the profile element to fix the corner connection element, then the corner connection element can be fixed in the hollow chamber, but the profile elements produce mechanical stresses and deformations in the miter area, leading to steps or gaps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing capabilityVSAvoidmiter alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the profile element instead of perpendicular, inverting the conventional arrangement. This inversion allows the spring element to compensate for tolerances through elastic deformation without creating mechanical stresses that would deform the miter area, thus resolving the contradiction between fixing capability and miter alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element's orientation parameter is changed from perpendicular to parallel relative to the profile element's longitudinal direction. This parameter change enables the spring element to function as a tolerance compensator while preventing stress-induced deformations in the miter area, simultaneously achieving reliable fixing and maintaining miter alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If corner connecting elements are used to connect profile elements at right angles, then mechanical connection is achieved, but production tolerances cause play in the hollow chambers, resulting in gap or step formation in the visible area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element is designed beforehand to compensate for production tolerances by providing elastic cushioning. This prior cushioning mechanism absorbs the play caused by tolerance variations in the hollow chambers, ensuring that profile elements remain precisely aligned without gaps or steps in the visible miter area while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element acts as an intermediary between the corner connection element and the profile elements. It mediates the tolerance variations by providing elastic compensation, allowing the rigid corner connection element to maintain both strong mechanical connection and high alignment precision despite manufacturing variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If spring elements are made of hard material to claw into the profile surface for secure fixing, then retaining force is improved, but the profile elements can be deformed or damaged in the visible area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretaining forceVSAvoidprofile damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the spring element hard to increase retaining force, the spring element is made of elastic material that deforms to provide friction-based retention. This inversion eliminates the harmful effect of clawing into the profile surface while maintaining reliable fixing through elastic deformation and friction in the hollow chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical clawing system is replaced with an elastic deformation system. Rather than using hard spring elements that claw into the profile surface, the patent uses elastic spring elements that deform to create friction-based retention, substituting a potentially damaging mechanical system with a non-damaging elastic system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables quick, economical, and visually appealing connections of profile elements at right angles, ensuring mechanical stability and optical quality, with the ability to compensate for tolerances and facilitate easy recycling.

Implementation Method 1

compensate for the production-related tolerances... the spring element being arranged approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the profile element on the connecting element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2682555B1Corner connection element

Publication Date: 2018.06.13 REHAU AG & CO

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The connection element (1) has profile elements (30,40) are arranged opposite to each other at right angle position. A bevel portion (9) is provided with two connectors (20) arranged in connection angle. The profile elements are introduced into hollow chamber (31,41). One side of connector is positioned apart from wall (42-45) of profile element. A spring element is actively arranged in hollow chamber. The spring element is arranged parallel to longitudinal direction of profile element.