Plug Connector for Insulating Glazing Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector technologies for insulating glass panes fail to provide a secure and thermally stable connection that can absorb external loads and maintain dimensional accuracy of hollow profiles during the connection process, particularly in thermal connections like welding.

Innovation Solution

A plug connector with a solid wall design, featuring a supporting and retaining structure at the upper edge, center stop, and optional bulges on the side walls, which provides mechanical stability and guides the hollow profile ends, allowing for effective thermal dissipation and secure alignment during the connection process, including a thermal connection or weld seam.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a connector with cut-out side walls and spring bridges is used, then the connector provides flexibility and retention, but it lacks mechanical stability and cannot effectively support hollow profile ends during thermal connection processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and retentionVSAvoidmechanical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into distinct functional zones: solid wall sections for mechanical stability and support, and cut-out sections with retaining elements for flexibility and retention. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the connector have different structural properties: the side walls have solid sections for stability and cut-out sections for retention, creating local variations in quality that match the specific functional requirements of each area during thermal connection and profile support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the connector has a solid wall design, then it provides mechanical stability and support, but it may have difficulty dissipating heat during thermal connection processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidheat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The solid wall structure is segmented with strategically placed cut-out sections that serve as heat dissipation zones while maintaining structural integrity. The retaining elements in these cut-out areas provide both mechanical retention and thermal management functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector has local variations in wall structure: solid sections for heat resistance and structural support, and cut-out sections for heat dissipation and retention, creating a non-uniform thermal and mechanical property distribution that addresses both requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If additional retention elements and support structures are added to the connector, then the connector provides better support and guidance, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport and guidanceVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into single structural features: the retaining elements serve both as retention mechanisms and as support structures, while the solid wall sections provide both mechanical strength and guidance. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector features are designed to perform multiple functions: the solid side walls provide structural support, guidance, and heat resistance; the cut-out sections with retaining elements provide both retention and heat dissipation; the overall structure simultaneously guides and supports the hollow profile ends during thermal connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 connector ensures high mechanical resilience and safety, effectively absorbing thermal and mechanical loads, maintaining shape accuracy, and preventing profile distortions, while allowing for quick heat dissipation and secure butt positioning of hollow profile ends.

Implementation Method 1

the connector facilitates rapid heat dissipation during the connection process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3221599B1Plug connector and plug connection

Publication Date: 2020.10.07 KRONENBERG RALF M

Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a plug connector (1) and a plug connection (2) for hollow profiled sections (3, 4) of spacers of an insulating glazing. The plug connector (1) has a base (8) with edge-side lateral walls (10), a central stop (21), and retaining elements (16). The plug connector (1) consists of a temperature-resistant material, in particular metal, at least in the region of the connector center (20) and is suitable for a welding connection (5) of the hollow profiled sections (3, 4). The plug connector has a shape which is rigid against external transverse loads at least in the central region and a substantially U-shaped cross-section with a hammerhead shape and lateral walls (10), which are recessed in steps (11) in the upper region (12). The lateral walls (10) have a supporting and retaining structure (15), which is oriented towards the roof (27) of the hollow profiled sections (3, 4), at the upper free edge (14).