Plug Connector with Flared Retaining Elements for Warm-Edge Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connector technologies for warm-edge hollow sections of insulating glazing fail to provide a secure and reliable connection, especially in soft, heat-insulating materials, with high extraction resistance and low plugging resistance, often resulting in gap formation and material escape.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector with laterally flared, resilient retaining elements having a rectangular shape and straight lower edge, oriented parallel to the side wall, which dig linearly into the side wall for secure retention and prevent rotation, combined with a centering aid for precise positioning, and optionally resilient retaining elements at the base for enhanced sealing and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional retaining elements with undercut and large opening at bending point are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but extraction resistance deteriorates and gap formation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the retaining elements by eliminating the undercut and large opening at the bending point, replacing them with a straight lower edge and narrow parting cut. This parameter modification increases extraction resistance while maintaining manufacturability through the straight edge design that prevents gap formation and material escape.
2Ease of operation
If resilient retaining elements with high flexibility are used, then ease of plugging is improved, but extraction resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the flexibility parameter of the retaining elements by controlling the material properties and geometric configuration. The retaining elements have sufficient flexibility to ease plugging into soft, heat-insulating materials while maintaining high extraction resistance through their resilient nature and optimized shape without undercut.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved retaining elements with specific geometric configuration including the flared shape and curved bending point. This curvature design allows the elements to deform smoothly during plugging while maintaining structural integrity and extraction resistance when installed.
3Reliability
If retaining elements with straight lower edge and narrow parting cut are used, then extraction resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters to feature a straight lower edge and narrow parting cut, which increases extraction resistance. Despite appearing simpler, this design reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need for complex undercut formations while maintaining high reliability through the straight edge that prevents gap formation.
4Strength
If laterally flared retaining elements are used, then retention strength is improved, but plugging resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the flaring parameters of the retaining elements to achieve the right balance. The lateral flaring provides sufficient retention strength when installed, while the optimized geometry and material properties ensure low plugging resistance. The flared shape distributes forces effectively during installation without creating excessive friction or resistance.
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 plug connector achieves a balanced resistance to extraction and plugging, preventing gap formation and material escape, with improved mechanical stability and sealing, suitable for both manual and automated handling.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient and obliquely outwardly flared retaining elements can be deformed during the plugging into the hollow sections and can be flared to a certain extent.
Implementation Method 2
The retaining elements with their front edges can now mesh optimally with the adjacent lateral section wall. Due to the straight lower edge and possibly to the narrow straight parting cut, the retaining elements have an especially good strength against extracting forces and they dig linearly and optimally with their straight front edge into the side wall of the section.
Data Source
AI summary
A preferably straight plug connector (1) is provided for hollow profiles (23), in particular warm edge hollow profiles, of spacers of insulation glazing. The plug connector (1) has a substantially U-shaped cross-section with open end faces (26) and a base (2) facing the pane inner space when installed, and has side walls (3) along its edges and a centering aid (24). Laterally flared resilient retaining elements (6, 7, 8, 9), which have a straight lower edge (11) in the side view, are mounted on the free edge (4) of the side walls (3).